jake brake question????

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by flc120, Aug 10, 2012.

  1. flc120

    flc120 Heavy Load Member

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    Jul 11, 2012
    Miami,FL (yeah i know :( )
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    lets see if i can get some help here, my truck has a factory installed jacobs brake on it, they are on engine and solenoids click as they have power going to both fron and rear jakes with power coming from switches when activated.

    PROBLEM
    when you turn switches on with engine running and revin motor up to activate jakes nothing happens no noise no nothing. i put a test light to see if power was still going to them while engine was running and indeed there is. I am not to familiar on how these things work but i do know that the solenoids should trigger whatever the jake brake works off of correct?

    nothing seemed to be loose under valve cover when i pulled off front and rears to check to hear solenoids and see if there were any loose arms or excessive clearences, or loose springs.

    i dont need them as all i run is flat but sure would like to get them to work if i could by myself.


    one other thing i will note is that when i started tracing wiring and power to jake system and switches i had noticed that switches were disconneted from the factory 3-4 wire pin connectors and wires were hangin down below dash, i fished them thru to the top they were exact length to get there and the same amount of pins to go into the factory dash switches plus power is going up to the front so i know i have the right circut, i just wanted to point out that it seems as if they were disconnected prior to getting truck.

    any help with this would be great.

    engine is 3406b 425 CAT>
     
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  3. Les2

    Les2 Road Train Member

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    If you turn the switchs on and have power to the solenoid then the jakes should work, unless there is something wrong with them. Best thing to do is turn key on, go out and unplug the wires to make sure the solenoids are working. you will see/hear them click.
     
  4. Worthken

    Worthken Light Load Member

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    Jun 2, 2012
    Delmas South Africa
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    Sounds like somebody disconnected the jakes on dash switches. Check the power supply on the clutch pedal switch, from there check the power on the injector pump switch and from there, if all the switches are in the closed circuit position check the power to the jakes solenoids.
     
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  5. flc120

    flc120 Heavy Load Member

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    Miami,FL (yeah i know :( )
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    i have power going to the solenoids i can hear and physically feel them click when i switch them on. i reconnected all loose plugs.

    what else could i be looking at here. solenoids are clicking is there something internally on jakes that wont let them engage?adjustment? i dont understand why solenoids are clicking and theres nothing happening in terms of the jake
     
  6. Les2

    Les2 Road Train Member

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    Is there a number stamped on them like 346A or 349A?
     
  7. wallypw

    wallypw Bobtail Member

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    Aug 10, 2010
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    Some ECM are configured where jakes will only operating above a certain MPH (above 3mph etc.) did you drive the truck and test jake?
     
  8. Les2

    Les2 Road Train Member

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    no ECM on 3406b.
     
  9. wallypw

    wallypw Bobtail Member

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    Aug 10, 2010
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    Ops sorry - did you check the clutch switch?
     
  10. freightrunner

    freightrunner Heavy Load Member

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    Do the jakes work when your moving????
     
  11. flc120

    flc120 Heavy Load Member

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    Jul 11, 2012
    Miami,FL (yeah i know :( )
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    the jakes are currently not working at all just power going to solenoids.

    also "LES2" where are those numbers stamped on the top of the jake packs,on the outside of the engine? on the actual top part of the solenoid?


    well i did notice that there is a switch on the underside of the floorboard on the clutch linkage but i have played with it and there is still power going up to the solenoids when switches on dash are engaged. so it cant have anything to do with the clutch pedal switch.

    im starting to think it might be something internal to the jakes.

    can they just freeze up from moisture or water in the system? this is so odd ive never had working solenoids with no jakes working its operation is pretty straightforward on how its wired, unless i have an internal problem.

    could someone have installed jakes back onto my motor and backed off the adjustments to the jakes and maybe they are not making contact with valves?
     
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