Can you tell me where it says that. I have read through the warranty guide and did not see anything mentioned about an exhaust brake. I must be missing something.

 

Exhaust backpressure poses absolutely no danger to the heads, pistons, or rods under no load. The potential threat is from excessive EBP forcing the exhaust valve to open despite spring resistance and causing piston-to-valve contact.

We all know that the 7.3 is tested and proven to work with these brakes, so lets see what exhaust pressure is required to actually knock a 7.3 exhaust valve open from excessive pressure.

7.3 Powerstroke
exhaust valve diameter 1.88

Valve stem diameter (0.31185-0.31255 in)

Exhaust Valve surface area 8.71 sq in

Valve Stem Surface area .240

Effective Valve Surface Area 8.47 sq in

Exhaust Valve spring assembled height (1.833 in)

Valve spring compresssion pressure 102-112 kg @ 34.35 mm (225-249 lbs. @ 1.352 in)

29.39 psi to force valve open

Now, the 6.0.

Valve stem diameter 6.947- 6.965 mm (0.2735-0.272 in)

Exhaust Valve diameter 1.1075 inches

Exhaust Valve surface area 3.02 sq in

Valve Stem Surface area .1824

Effective Valve Surface Area 2.8376

Exhaust Valve spring assembled height 1.82 in

Valve spring compression pressure 383 mm (15.07 in) @ 858 ± 43 N (1.51 in @ 191 ± 9.7 lb)

67.31 psi to force valve open

These calculations are only designed to compare....both opening pressures would be quite a bit higher due to things such as the surface area of the valve seat (since i calculated from the full diameter of the valve) and the angle deflections since the valves arent flat from the top side, but the calculations were done likewise enough so that a decent comparison could be shown. From this, looks like the 6.0 would tolerate over DOUBLE the exhaust backpressure that a 7.3 will before it becomes dangerous to physical engine components-point of the matter is that it requires MUCH more EBP to force open valves on a 6.0 over a 7.3, and that is the only real threat relevant to the subject.

Now that's not to say that an exhaust brake isn't going to give the turbo control loop fits, since the EBP sensor will be reading erroneously (as far as the PCM is concerned) but IMO it poses absolutely no physical threat to the engine whatsoever.

 

PSD 60L Fx4 Now that was a great analogy. Thanks for all the info. I wonder how the turbo would react? Would the vanes open and close due to confusion? I think I am just starting to understand this whole exhaust brake thing.

 

So possibly the earlier trucks with the EBP "software delete" could do this.
By the way can a mid year 04' get this same software to shut off EBP?
Anyway I can't see why an exhaust brake is needed when the factory tow/haul works so well. A while back I got some gravel for my driveway and they loaded it into my gooseneck dump trailer. When I got on the scale to leave it read 27,600lbs (truck and trailer). I thought whoa Nellly!! But after going up and down a couple hills I was amazed at how well the tow/haul kept things under control. On one particular down hill area (relatively steep) I set the cruise to 45mph (tow haul on) and tapped the brake one time. It downshifted once and stayed spot on at 45 and didn't budge. Proof is in the pudding for me. Now I don't recommend that much GCW on an F250 but for the short trip across town it was very well behaved.

Just my .02 worth.

 

I have to agree engine damage could occur. I know Ford didn't go specific on the reason.

Edit: I think Matt cleared up our question.

 

I'm certain that the truck could be calibrated to safely work with an aftermarket brake, but would require some degree of custom work to ensure not to overspeed the turbo or set DTC's from the EBP sensor.

 

$500? where are you finding an exhaust brake for $500. I'd say you would have a problem with that product. Maxium, the transmision has nothing to do with it. You're thinking of a "locker" for an auto shifter. I've got a 6-speed, so that has nothing to do with mine. this is funny. There are many people here who say that this brake is going to ruin my engine, but those same people have no expierence with an exhaust brake. You auto shifting guys are using the programming version, but what about me and Tazo who want the real thing. I've heard just as much posative information about the brake and a 6.0, just not from people on this site. Where are you fella's getting this info from anyway?

 

I see I left you guys out with the standard transmissions pulling non brake equipment.

The safest way to tow is with a trailer, but that is not always the situation. Our large grain wagons are even supplied with hydraulic surge brakes now with a lock out feature for backing uphill.

I know didn't cover everyones situation. It isn't fun being pushed downhill.

 

I checked out the bd-power.com site and their exhaust brake is closer to $1,500.
I'm not gonna be a guinea pig but it sounds pretty interesting.

It only took until almost 2007 for a unit to be debugged enough to work for an 03 and up application.
maybe they figured it out

 

Man, I need to shop where ya'll do. for my 6.0 (any 6.0 for that matter) the BD brake is $2500.

 

I checked their US price guide and the 6.0 exhaust brake is $1,595.
It states that it has an electronic module that communicates with the variable vane turbo