Lets try this again! Need some help. Cummins 400 isl, spartan chasis 2006 travel supreme.I guess next will be taking it to a tech!

First, do you have an EXHAUST BRAKE (external to the engine) OR an engine compression brake (internal to the engine)?If exhaust brake, what brand?The Cummins ISL could be ordered either way, with the exhaust brake being less $$$.When you turn on the brake and close the throttle, does the Allison shift pad change from "6" to whatever your pre-select gear is (often 2nd or 4th)? That is the first step in brake activation.

The exhaust brake on your engine is activated via a butterfly valve that is mounted in the exhaust pipe. The butterfly valve is activated by means of an air operated cylinder that pulls the butterfly valve closed which blocks that exhaust pipe. Connected to the air cylinder is a solenoid activated air valve. When the exhaust brake is called for, the air valve is activated which causes the air cylinder to pull the butterfly valve closed. When the air valve is closed, a spring causes the air cylinder to extend which opens the butterfly valve and allows the exhaust gas to flow out.The solenoid that activates this sequence operates on 12VDC that is turned off and on as required. What is happening within this system that tells you the exhaust valve is not working. The only reliable way of knowing it is working is to physically watch the action of the air cylinder when the brake is called to work. You can only do that by watching the brake mechanism when the RV is being driven, and brake is called for. You have to be there watching it!!!You can put 12VDC onto the air solenoid to see if it actuates the brake while you are setting still, but this does not mean that the system from the on/off switch on the dash, or the brake pedal, or other factors are working.I fixed a butterfly valve several years ago that had become stuck and wouldn't open/close. Had to take it apart, glass bead blast is to free it up to pivot.There are many possible problem areas, and YOU need to check them out yourself and tell us what you find. Otherwise, you need to take it to a service shop and, well, $$$Any questions?

captron33 wrote:Lets try this again! Need some help. Cummins 400 isl, spartan chasis 2006 travel supreme.I guess next will be taking it to a tech!First, Brett and Larry know much more about exhaust brakes than I do. That said, when my 2005 400ISL exhaust brake failed after about ten years, on the theory that brakes are important, I replaced it with an upgraded model.

If it's a PAC brake, a likely cause is lack of lubrication on the pivot. It's not difficult to remove the unit, and if it can be freed, great. I had to have the exhaust brake replaced on my motorhome shortly after I got it, and it wasn't hugely expensive. I subsequently replaced it again with an upgraded brake that is designed to be effective at lower engine rpm. Again, not a huge expense.

As you can see, we need more information to be of assistance.

Exhaust brake quit working | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

wolfe10
Explorer
Nov 06, 2022
With a two stage engine compression brake, you WILL have an electric signal that both downshifts the Allison (left or only shift pad window will change from 6 to some lower gear-- often 2nd or 4th) AND will signal the engine ECU to apply either 3 (low) or 6 (high) compression braking.
captron33
Explorer
Nov 06, 2022
Its labeled exhaust brake on the switch. Hi and low. Obviously I’m not a mechanic, i will take to one to get it looked at and fixed. Its in storage for 6 months or so for now. Spartan told me the only electrical component is a diode. So no cb,s to check out.
wolfe10
Explorer
Nov 05, 2022
captron33 wrote:
No, probably not electric.

Please explain what this means.

Thanks.
wolfe10
Explorer
Nov 05, 2022
captron33 wrote:
Spartan confirmed i have a 2 stage exhaust brake., based on my vin number.

No such thing.

If two stage, it is an ENGINE COMPRESSION BRAKE.
Ray_IN
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2022
captron33 wrote:
Spartan confirmed i have a 2 stage exhaust brake., based on my vin number.

Then your engine has a 2-stage engine compression(Jake) brake, not an exhaust brake. The Jacobs compression brake opens the exhaust valves just before the piston reaches TDC on compression stroke.
reference: https://official.bankspower.com/tech_article/how-an-exhaust-brake-works/

and
https://www.jacobsvehiclesystems.com/technologies/compression-release-engine-brake
oldave
Explorer
Nov 04, 2022
2-stage exhaust brake? Are you sure? Not an engine brake? I believe a 2-stage is an engine brake.
An engine brake is much more effective.
larry_cad
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2022
captron33 wrote:
No, probably not electric.

Then I would look into the butterfly valve mechanical operation. The valve is easy to remove and then it is easy to verify if the valve is working.
captron33
Explorer
Nov 04, 2022
No, probably not electric.
larry_cad
Explorer II
Oct 31, 2022
captron33 wrote:
Spartan confirmed i have a 2 stage exhaust brake., based on my vin number.

Did they offer any suggestions on the problem?
captron33
Explorer
Oct 31, 2022
Spartan confirmed i have a 2 stage exhaust brake., based on my vin number.