Question on PACBRAKE

[Kathy Hood]

On the exhaust brake spring clamps we see black soot coming from around the clamp.  Is it possible to tighten that or how is that repaired.  Could the PACBRAKE quit suddenly  or would it be a gradual loss that we can fix soon but not right now?  Thank you for info and or telling me where to go.

Gary

[Keith Moffett]

Kathy
our Pat had the pack brake and it was poorly maintained.  Once cleaned and lubed the brake was very responsive and we never had the problem you describe again.

[Dave Atherton]

Kathy, the clamp that you see soot ( loosen the clamp but do not take it completely off )
Tap on clamp when loose so it moves little up no down. What you are doing is loosen up rust
and carbon soot. Retighten clamp and tap clamp with hammer around clamp as you tighten,
This should make a tight seal. Keith is correct Pac Brake needs a little TLC with little lube
at pivots points and shaft off air push rod. Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic

[Kathy Hood]

Thank you for the info,  I will check on a maintenance schedule for sure, till I find that I will follow your advice Dave.