Hi all,
I am having a problem with my Pacbrake exhaust brake. I talked to TJ at thech support and he said that I have a lek at the flange where it connects to the motor. I ahve had to muffler shops take it apart and put it back together and still leaking lots of air. Anyone else had this issue? Does not have to be a Pacbrake issue even another brand. Could it be leaking from somewhere else? They muffle shop mechanics said that they saw the soot around the clamp like TJ said but they were not able to line up the pipes and seal that joint. Any ideas? I am not getting any braking at all because of the air leak.

Anyone?

What I've done is pull the inner fender and have someone help you. Usually I'm under the rig looking up witrh a flashlight and making sure I am even with the flange why someone else is helping you hold the pipe or tightening the flange. I've even sanded both flanges and used a little muffler cement in between. It also helps to tap around the flange with a hammer as you are tightening. They are at times difficult to do, but with perseverence they can be done leak free. I've done several. tpitt

Man, I been to 2 muffle shops and left a dealer about 1 hour ago and still got the leak! This is getting very frustrating! They lined up the two flanges several times and still got a leak. Anyone else got a different suggestion? I know welding the two pipes is out but there has to be a fix to this problem.

Theres also the possibility your v-clamp is bad. Is this stock exhaust? tpitt

i herd you were suppose to weld the up stream side so it will hold prussure

yes V clamp is stock as is exhaust. Taking it tot the dealer that did the install after this RV trip is over. They have a tech that seems to know what he is doing and he said they will take a look at it. After that, if he can't fix it, I don't know what else I can do but to have it taken out and send it back. I got about $2,200 already into this and I know that they will not look at this as a warranty item so I will have to pay to play! I am almost thinking I should have stayed with the stock set up as much as I want the thing to work it is turning out to be a PIA. Harold at Packbrake said that TJ has used some time of sealant for a tough case so maybe he will get back to me with a solution.

Yes I've used sealant also. Some of them can be a bear. I'm guessing I've installed at least 20 or so on the Duramaxs. If they work at it though, it can be sealed. Terry

Hey Terry thanks for the advice. I also talked to TJ at Pacbrake and he suggested the same thing. High-temp silicone. Dealer will try to get it sealed tomorrow. I picked up some today and going to take it to them in case their supplier is not open being the 4th tomorrow so they can get it done. Will keep you all updated.

High temp Silicone may not do it. Sounds like your leak is bigger than the silicone will hold (it will probably burn-out). What you need is "muffler sealer". It has the consistancy of toothpaste when you apply it. It is a cement with ceramic material for high heat resistance. After assembly, start the truck and let it idle until the cement sets. Then you should be good to go.

Well, it looks like I got the exhaust brake working now. They used some high temp silicone to seal the joint. I am still hearing a little air noise while brake is engaged but not sure if that is normal or not air at all leaking but thru the exhaust. It does puff after hitting the gas again and I assume that is the overload pressure release valve. Anyone share their experience?