Has anyone tried one of those plug in kits that uses your EBPV as an exhaust brake? Anyone see why this would cause any harm? How well does it work?

 

I've got one on my truck, and it works great. There are a number of DIY kits available, and the one I chose engages the exhaust brake whenever you don't have your foot on the throttle. Of course, it's also got an on/off switch to disengage the system, but it's worked great for me for quite a while, even when towing.

 

PowerStroker77-

I did this mod a few weeks ago, but I wired everything myself, no plug-and-play. It's not difficult, and it cost me less than thirty bucks. It works fine, but I'm not happy with the direction I took. It is very easy to use the brake lights to operate it, but it needs to be on the idle sensor. I will be making this change as soon as I have time. If you want, I can send you a schematic and part numbers. Everything can be found at Radio Shack.

 

I've heard there are concerns when using the DIY engine brake and Automatic transmissions. How do you make sure the converter is locked up while using the engine brake?

Phat02, I'd like to see your schematic and part numbers if you don't mind. Thanks. mysignaz@hotmail.com

 

If you could send me the schematic that you used, I think I could adapt it to use some digital circuitry so that the BPV-brake could be activated by a tap of the brakes, and de-activated by pressing the gas... This would also prevent any issues with the cruise control, and would also give you the option of coasting if you prefer!

junkmail69692002@yahoo.com

Thanks!

 

With my computer code, TDE0, the torque convertor locks in third gear at 36mph, and will stay locked until your speed drops below 32mph. When I'm using my exhaust brake, the switch is on, but the unit doesn't engage until I remove my foot from the throttle. Within a second, the brake engages, and since the torque convertor is still locked, the braking power is considerable. Once I touch the brake, the torque convertor disengages, but the brake stays on.
By using the brake pedal to engage the exhaust brake, you'd be losing the engine braking, I'd think, unless you've got a way to keep the torque convertor locked.
Just my $.02.

 

Phat02, I too would like the schematic... Doug's email

Thanks...

Doug

 

With a manual tranny, I'd prefer to activate the exhaust brake with a tap of the regular brakes.

I'm not sure about the torque converter issue... I would think that you could send that TDE0 code to your computer from the exhaust brake control box...somehow...?

From the other kits that I have seen, they use an extra wire from the control box to the tranny. So there must be a one-wire control line that the computer uses to lock up the torque converter. If you send the same signal to the torque converter line that you are sending to the exhaust brake, they should both remain engaged.

 

I'll have the schematic for you guys ASAP. It's a busy weekend for me and I need to make the changes to reflect using the idle sensor. You can send a signal to lock the torque converter, and the schematic that I used shows this, but I was told NOT to do it. People have damaged their trannys doing this. The only alternative is to buy a trans control that is designed to use with the exhuast brake. If you don't use it, the tranny will slip too much and the TC unlocks too early. These controls will work with the "homemade" setup also. They are pricey tho.

These are two off the top of my head, I'm sure there are others.

Banks Smartlock
BD Pressure Loc

 

where is the exhaust back pressure valve located at?

 

at the very start of the downpipe on the turbo side

 

Which one did you choose? It sounds like the right setup. The brake activated exhaust brake doesn't make the most sense. I like the idea of it working when your foot is of the gas pedal. Do you have a manual or auto transmission?

 

If you pull, you better get one that will work! Personal experience, Wyoming! 36' trailer loaded with two horses. 11 mile 8 degree grade and the brakes got hot. Scary eh? Next year had exaust brake on. Never put my foot on the brakes and never got over 65 mph. It was worth every penny and I didn't need to change my shorts either!

 

I would be interested in the wiring schematic, as well. Thanks.

 

I read post on the tc mod, this all seems like alot of switches to hit just to slow down. So you would have a tc switch and a ebpv switch. You had to turn off the tc switch for it to shift(so your not slamming faster moving gears with slow moving ones) .
guzzle mod- Welcome to guzzle's TC Lockup Mod Web Page

tc mod info? https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7636279