Hi,
I am thinking of installing a Pacbrake exhaust brake on my 2001 Duramax. Before I go ahead, a few questions:
1). Anyone have a Pacbrake installed on their Duramax ?
2). Any provlems or concerns ?
3). Would you get one again ?

Thanks.

Don't have a Pacbrake, but installed a Banks Exhaust Brake on my 2002 Silverado, about a year ago. Probably works the same as the Pacbrake. After using the brake under fairly heavy towing over the past year, I simply would not be without one!

Have had no problems to date. Only caution I use is that I'm careful not to go full throttle immediately following brake engagement. I try to give the brake a chance to disengage completely before punching a lot of throttle in order to minimize the possibility of high back pressure should the brake still be partially closed and the turbo is spooled up!

Definitely would get one again. In fact, I believe an exhaust brake should be mandatory if one is trailering heavy loads. I never liked the abruptness, high rpm or noise when I relied on the Allison Transmission to maintain speed on downgrades. When the rpm would jump into the red on abrupt downshifts, it usually scared the hell out of me, even though GM had concluded this type of red line operation wouldn't harm the Duramax. With the exhaust brake, and OD lockout, I can usually maintain 55 to 60 mph down 6% to 8% grades, and only require pulsing the trailer brake slider from time-to-time to keep speed under control when I'm towing 12K lbs. I also find that the exhaust brake reduces wear and tear on the truck during stop and go freeway driving, and clearly addes another level of safety.

Well worth the money!

Yes
No
Yes

I too think it is worth the money, but I've never towed heavy without it. I'm in the middle of a California to DC and back trip and I've never been concerned about my speed down any grade. That includes running through Oregon, Idaho, Montana, etc. (Well, there was that one rest area that I dove into from behind a semi, only to find traffic backed up the entrance...I was able to stop though, and re-learned the lesson about following too closely).

I have a US GEAR decelerator and love it. (Pac brake was my second choice) Loaded to 17,500# gross I can hold 55 on the 7-8% grades here in Colorado without touching the brakes. Takes the fear out of the manual trans on the decents. I will never own another diesel without one.

hey guys,
does the allison grade braking feature still work? as i do like that feature but getting all the help one can to stop is also well appreciated.

dogboy

Yes, the Allison braking feature still works, even with an exhaust brake installed. I find the whole braking action smoother when I have the exhaust brake engaged, but if I need to get on it, the Allison grade braking will take over and do its thing.

Does the transmission tend to run any hotter when using the exhaust brake on long, steep descents?

TC

Haven't noticed any increase in transmission temperature during the situation you've described. In fact, I've not seen any effect on transmission temp or transmission operation with the exhaust brake engaged, other than less drastic transmission downshifts and saner engine rpms!!!!. I do notice that EGT will run around 500 to 600 degrees during a long grade descent with the brake engaged, but even this is not very much. If one considers that an exhaust brake for the diesel is about the equivalent of the air "butterfly" in a gasser, then the Duramax/Allison combination with an exhaust brake should be nearly identical in its effect on the Allison as the 8.1liter gasser/Allison combination some 2500/3500 operators are using.

That's why I get a "hoot" when reading the Allison website cautioning operators "that installing an exhaust brake could change the shift characteristics and operation of their transmission". When in reality, a gas engine inherently provides this brake effect and Allison doesn't even mention any concer about the gassers!!!

If I have any concern regarding the exhaust brake, it's with the engine and whether or not Izzuzi provided sufficient valve spring strength to withstand 30 or so lbs of back pressure when the exhaust brake is engaged. Don't want to float the valves!!!! From my experience so far,fortunately, it appears they have. But who knows what they may do with future engines!!!!

:( I previously had a Dodge Cummins and in California, because of the EGR system, exhaust brakes of any kind were taboo due to the extra stress it would place on the exhaust valve springs. I know some have uninstalled the Duramax EGR system in California, either to get more power or to allow more tolerance for the installation of the exhaust brake but I'd rather not do that. Any adverse effect on the Duramax engine warranty if an exhaust brake is installed on a vehicle registered in California?:confused:

I echo everything "Harley Bob" has said.

I would not be without my Banks Brake. Descending hills is so much easier with the brake. Rarely do I need to use my service brakes, but I usually have to touch the accelerator because I am slowing down to much.

Be careful of the brake made in Canada, I have talked to people that have RUST problems with it.

If an exhaust brake was a no no, then why does GM put them on the medium duty trucks??????? The service manager at my stealer has yet to answer that question. He has a serious problem with my Banks Brake.

Every time I go in I hear "How do we know that your problem wasn't caused by the Banks Brake. What a b_tt.......................

Do it you will thoroughly enjoy the new level of braking.

Also, get used to using it coming off a freeway. You don't need to touch the brakes.

Lyle

I like the Jake on my Fire Engine better than the Pac Brake on our spare...I would look into another manufacturer...Pac is a little harsh on engagement.