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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: GnarlyBus on February 18, 2018, 09:42:17 PM

Title: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...(SOLVED)
Post by: GnarlyBus on February 18, 2018, 09:42:17 PM
I've had an MC9 with a 6V92 for a few years now and was told it had Jake Brakes when I purchased it. They've never worked for me. After finding the dash switch and testing it, nothing happened. Ended up working from to back. New switch up front and tested the micro buffer switch for proper operation by hooking it to a horn instead and it honked when i let off the throttle pedal. The horn went off at the correct times so I believe the buffer switch is working properly.

When I power up the jakes with the engine off and use a screwdriver to press on the buffer switch closed there seems to be a click on the right side, but nothing on the left. I've checked both wires to make sure power is getting to the solenoids.

Now heres a twist. I just learned today that the solenoids on my 6v92 are 12v? Mine is wired 24V. Not hard for me to rewire, but the solenoids are probably damaged now.

1. I'd like to remove the solenoids to test them and inspect the seals. How do I get them out? A special tool?

2. To test the solenoids I can test them with an ohm meter? Also, if I power them up, they should activate obviously, right?
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: GnarlyBus on February 18, 2018, 11:05:22 PM
I decided to go get the solenoid off so I could test it inside. I don't have the special tool so I used channel lock plyers. There's a plastic piece near where the wire connects to the solenoid that broke off, but I did get it off. Looking at it now I am pretty sure it didn't work even before I mangled it getting it off, it seems seized. If it was working and I didn't just break it, what would it do with 12v? Plunge something I assume? Also ohm meter reads open.

Sent from my LG-US996 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: chessie4905 on February 19, 2018, 04:26:39 AM
I believe they use to use12 volt solenoids before they later came out with specific 24 volt ones.
If you apply Voltage to the disconnected terminal of the solenoid, you will see the top depress about 1/16 to 1/8 inch and hear it click. You really don't even have to disconnect wire. Just watch one at a time.
Also, there is a threaded hollow tube aout halfway down casting between each unit. There is to be a specific gap there, set by loosening locknut, turning tube, and setting to specs. There is a small cupped shaped end on this tube that holds an o-ring. If you go to the Jacobs brake site, they have all the info on these, and adjustment specs.
There are different solenoid versions. Or requires a spanner wrench to remove. Others use a hex. I bought a spanner wrench on eBay to replace one solenoid on mine. Also, there was about 1/4 inch gapetween one of the tubes on mine.
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: luvrbus on February 19, 2018, 04:51:06 AM
They did use the same solenoid for years 12 or 24v ,you would see condensers (capacitors)  mounted on ea master to give it a little more voltage,just remember they will not work below 15# PSI oil pressure   
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: chessie4905 on February 19, 2018, 06:36:07 AM
In your picture, if you apply voltage to that terminal where the wire connects, you will see that disc on end of solenoid move a little if it is ok.
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: busfan on February 19, 2018, 07:42:31 AM
Saw a solenoid or two posted in the parts section, 1 is under title 71/92 and 1 from a guy with a prevost who is getting rid of everything..Good luck!
Title: Re: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: GnarlyBus on February 19, 2018, 09:47:27 AM
Quote from: luvrbus on February 19, 2018, 04:51:06 AM
They did use the same solenoid for years 12 or 24v ,you would see condensers (capacitors)  mounted on ea master to give it a little more voltage,just remember they will not work below 15# PSI oil pressure 
It's toast. It never did anything when I applied voltage.

The 24v solenoid are much more common and cheaper. Can I use one of those? Like a 1013472?
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: chessie4905 on February 19, 2018, 10:07:31 AM
Can't say for sure if it would make a difference in operation, but should work.
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: GnarlyBus on February 19, 2018, 10:27:30 AM
Ok after much searching I found a few pictures online with people who have 71/92 Series engine using the 1013472 24V Solenoids (attached one). I ordered 2 just in case.

I've read up on adjusting the slave piston clearance so we'll see if that needs done when the solenoids get here.
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: luvrbus on February 19, 2018, 11:42:51 AM
You probably should pull those and install a rebuild kit and be done with it. I get my kits from PacBrake for $129.00 ,all new seals,harness and flow valves with the springs and not complicated to install 
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: GnarlyBus on February 19, 2018, 07:54:11 PM
Not a bad idea to rebuild, but I'm not sure when I'll be somewhere where I can do that for a while.

Using several Jake Brake Manuals, I inspected the slave piston clearances on the left engine head and it appears that the cylinder closes to the bumper is WAY off by about 1/2" (the threaded adjustment rod is backed way off too),  but the other two seem very close to proper setting (see photo). When the engine is off, all that needs to be done is to remove the valve cover and set the clearance, correct? There isn't any Top Dead Center or other aligning engine rotations that are needed, right? So, I can adjust the adjustment rod down using the feeler gauges without doing anything else if that makes sense...

Man, going in and trying to figure out someone else's reasoning and work is not very fun. I really appreciate all the help.

Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: luvrbus on February 20, 2018, 04:20:27 AM
Doesn't look like the valves are closed on the one,you have to rotate the engine to each cylinder check the valve clearance .015 then adjust the Jake with the adjustment screw on top of the Jake housing.
Don't mess with bridge adjustment the adjustment screw you see in the front or you will be removing those to make a bridge adjustment? do you have a engine manual you are in a land there that can cost you some big bucks if not careful.Anyways the valves need to be fully closed with clearance and that should be on the injection cycle on each cylinder and I would buy me a Jake gauge     
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: birdarchitect26 on February 20, 2018, 05:40:05 AM
I want to chime in here, I plan to diagnose my Jakes next and will hopefully help / gain knowledge about the details. I would think to adjust anything relating to exhaust valves you would have to have that specific cylinder at BDC (full closed) or somewhere in the compression stroke to release some power? The jake lets out some compression to retard the engine if I'm not mistaken.

Gnarly,
Do you have a link / copy of the 92 jakes?

I recently printed this out, I printed about 4 different sections relating only to DD / Manual (non-DDEC) for my application.
https://www.jacobsvehiclesystems.com/files/file/Troubleshooting-Guide.pdf (https://www.jacobsvehiclesystems.com/files/file/Troubleshooting-Guide.pdf)

J
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: luvrbus on February 20, 2018, 05:53:03 AM
Just roll the engine till you can wiggle the bridges and the valves are closed ,Jakes are add on everything under the Jake has to be according to Hoyle,the bridge adjustment and the valves adjustment or they will cause you major problems you need a engine manual to go with the Jake manual.
The old timers like me and others could adjust those with engine running with no gauge but I don't recommend doing that on a Detroit but I still do it on Cat engines and sometimes on a Detroit just to check myself    
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: GnarlyBus on February 20, 2018, 11:35:22 AM
Quote from: birdarchitect26 on February 20, 2018, 05:40:05 AM
Gnarly,
Do you have a link / copy of the 92 jakes?

I recently printed this out, I printed about 4 different sections relating only to DD / Manual (non-DDEC) for my application.
https://www.jacobsvehiclesystems.com/files/file/Troubleshooting-Guide.pdf (https://www.jacobsvehiclesystems.com/files/file/Troubleshooting-Guide.pdf)

That one is good, and this one is helpful, too.

https://www.jacobsvehiclesystems.com/files/support/docs-pdfs/003879.pdf (https://www.jacobsvehiclesystems.com/files/support/docs-pdfs/003879.pdf)
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: GnarlyBus on February 20, 2018, 11:44:00 AM
Ok luvrbus, that's helpful. Thank you!

I do have the 92 Series Engine Manual (even went crazy at the library one day printing most of it out!) and will reread the sections on valve adjustments. I just wasn't sure if I had to rotate the engine to adjust the jakes. Now it's clear that I do.

I'll wait for the solenoids to come and then see what happens when I install them. Oh and I just purchased a Jake Brake Feeler Gauge off eBay.

I'd like to run the engine for a bit with the valve covers off so I can see the operation of the valves and jakes. Would it be ok to run the engine with L shaped exhaust pipe that goes from the manifold on the left side up to the turbo off?
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: GnarlyBus on February 26, 2018, 10:38:03 PM
Quote from: luvrbus on February 20, 2018, 05:53:03 AM
Just roll the engine till you can wiggle the bridges and the valves are closed ,Jakes are add on everything under the Jake has to be according to Hoyle,the bridge adjustment and the valves adjustment or they will cause you major problems you need a engine manual to go with the Jake manual.
The old timers like me and others could adjust those with engine running with no gauge but I don't recommend doing that on a Detroit but I still do it on Cat engines and sometimes on a Detroit just to check myself    

Ok my solenoids and jake .059" feeler gauge came today.

I started on the Passenger side because it's a bit easier to see what I'm doing. I have no idea when the last time anyone adjusted the valves. I've owned the bus for 3.5 years but this is my first time on this bus. The exhaust valves all appear to be about .012-.014" cold. The manual says they should be .016", but I don't yet have the special wrenches to reach around and loosen/adjust the push rods. So I'm going to have to come back to this when my wrap around wrenches arrive. I heard somewhere that valves tighten over time as the valves kinda "seat" into the head. Is that correct?

It appears that when rotating the engine that two cylinders exhaust valves are closed (bridges wiggle) and ready to adjust at a time. Only one cylinder is in exhaust mode (per side) at a time, correct?

I checked my Jake slave piston clearances and they were loose. Two were ~.075" and one was way looser. That might explain why this side (whose solenoid was working) wasn't doing much that I could notice from the driver's area during the last test. I tightened all the slave piston clearances (which I will probably have to re-adjust once I do the valves. I double checked them a few times and made small adjustments.

Tomorrow I'll install the new solenoid on the driver's side and adjust the clearances.

Trying to learn this stuff without a teacher nearby is a little tough so I appreciate all the help! We're going to be leaving Yuma and heading to Laughlin for a few days and then Vegas for a few weeks before we run back up to Oregon. Trying to get the bus in order. Replacing fuel filters, oil change (Rotella 40W T1), Transmission Fluid Change (15w40 Delvac 1300), Coolant filter, etc all this week!
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: GnarlyBus on March 19, 2018, 05:42:03 PM
I wrote the long version because while trying to fix this problem I read every other jacobs brake thread on multiple forums and found little pieces that helped clarify and figure out what to do next. Hopefully this helps someone.

After my last post, I installed a new solenoid on the left side and finished adjusting all slave piston clearances. Having the .059 Jake Feeler Gauge was great and made it easy (thanks for the tip luvrbus). Sometimes I ran into a situation where one side or "foot" of the slave piston was tighter than the other side on the same valve. It confused me at first which side I should make sure was .059" but after re-reading the Jacobs manual it says that the tighter side should be .059" not the looser one. Good because that's what I did. So I had both side adjusted and solenoids clicking. I'm finally done, right?!

Then I hit the road and couldn't really tell for sure if even half the jakes were coming on or not, which means they probably weren't. I stopped in Laughlin and bypassed the buffer switch with a jumper wires so when I hit the dash switch, they would be forced to come on. Then I tested the switch when idling the bus. I read about this in another thread and it worked. As soon as I flipped the dash switch (well a second after) the engine started to Blap Blap Blap! I couldn't tell for sure but it seemed like only the left side with the new solenoid was engaging. It was a little hard to tell with how loud the engine is!

Time for a road test. I made sure only to switch them on when I let off the throttle and turn them off before idling. When I flipped that switch for the first time in between Laughlin and Vegas, man, words cannot explain how good it felt to hear that Jake and feel it slow me down! I was pretty sure that the right side was not working but was thrilled that the left side alone would slow me down like it did. A lot of folks on here seem to feel that jake brakes aren't the strongest on two stroke engines. Well, I have nothing to compare it to as I've never driven another vehicle with them, but I love how awesome it was even with half the engine braking.

I decided then that I'd add a Hi/Lo switch to my dash so I could choose. The left side jaking was perfect in town (which is what I really want them for).

I got to Vegas and tested the jakes again while idling. Yep, even though the solenoid clicks on the right side it didn't work. IDK why. I already purchased a second solenoid so I took the old one out and put the new one in. The O rings all seemed fine. If you replace a solenoid, don't miss the smallest one that usually gets stuck in the threads. Tested the jakes again while idling and BOTH SIDES WORK! Woohoo!

So I decided to add a Hi/Lo switch using a 12V relay which I mounted in the rear junction box. It was very easy and works great! I ended up sending the 12V from the dash switch to the rear using the "BL" terminal which is there for the Ether Spray Circuit I won't be using. I installed a Blue LED Hi/Lo toggle to match the Green LED On/Off switch I had already relocated from behind the drivers left elbow to just left of the steering wheel. eBay had a Peterbilt Jake name plate for cheap so I got that to make it all official!

Road tested them and they work! Hi and Lo! The microswitch on the governor works great too. I'm so glad I fixed them. This has been an ongoing saga for me and now its finished! For now...
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: GnarlyBus on March 19, 2018, 05:42:51 PM
Them Switches Tho.
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: birdarchitect26 on March 20, 2018, 10:29:13 AM
I'm still following your progress for my future endeavors. I have the 8V92 Silver so I have 4 solenoids to worry about. I couldn't find a JB feeler gauge on eBay, do you have a link? (I only found a 7mm one)

I also have two switches on the left side of my steering wheel. I can't read the most left switch, so you give me hope that switch is in fact a HI-LOW toggle as I guessed. How does the microswitch on the governor work? I'm guessing while fast idle is active, valve pushed out, that switch gets activated, thus preventing the brake operation?

Jay
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...
Post by: GnarlyBus on March 20, 2018, 10:34:17 AM
It's a project!

The micro switch is normally open (no current running through) when at idle, fast idle or foot on the throttle pedal. When you lift your foot off the pedal, the switch closes (power goes through to the Jake solenoids) until about idle.

Do you have the same micro switch as me? If so, you can stick a screwdriver in there carefully and pry the switch up  and test it at the right terminal to see if power is going through. This will test the operation of the microswitch. You can also by pass it giving you total power at the dash. Just be very careful to only turn the jakes on when your foot is off the pedal. You can flip them on at idle as a test but don't leave them on.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180320/bb6e14f0b1d9e3fecc3f1d414733520b.jpg)
Title: Re: Jake Brakes - Ongoing diagnosis...(SOLVED)
Post by: bevans6 on March 20, 2018, 11:29:39 AM
More technically the micro switch closes when the governor goes to "no-fuel".  It does this whenever the engine is in "over-run", foot off the pedal so the speed control lever is in the idle position but the engine is not at actual idle speed, it's being pushed by the road wheels rolling along at speed.  It also goes to no-fuel when the engine is blipped, up to say 1500 - 2000 rpm and then back to idle.  If the jake switch is on and the jakes are working properly, you will hear them engage and rattle as the engine speed falls back down to idle.  When it reaches idle the governor comes out of no-fuel and goes to idle and with any luck the engine doesn't stall, but recovers from "jake-ness" to idle smoothly.

Brian