jacobs retarder

[Richard Sevey & Carolyn Sevey]

hi all
i have heard some of the members mention grease fittings on the
driveline retarder, is this only the telma or also the jacobs? i have
a jacobs and cant find any grease fittings on it. if they are there
perhaps someone could give me the approximate location on the unit to
look for them.
thank you
dick & carolyn sevey
83 fc33 pahrump, nv.

[Jeff Miller]

Regarding the posts on the Jacobs EL retarder ('83-'86 WLFC):

All that I have owned had one grease fitting, facing the retarder from
the front of the coach you should find it in a recess in the outer
frame at about the 4:30 position (lower streetside corner of the outer
frame), usually buried in grease/dirt.

We have found a weephole in the opposite corner of the frame,
apparently to relieve excess or old grease when lubricating the
retarder, which can be impacted with hardened grease/dirt.

The gentleman who has a buildup of grease in the retarder should IMO
clean it out, the retarder can get quite hot and I don't believe that
the presence of grease in the retarder is good. It is likely that this
buildup is due to a plugged/impacted vent hole is forcing grease past
the seals.

Be sure to use the proper high-heat grease.

- Jeff Miller


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Sevey & Carolyn
Sevey" wrote:
> hi all
> i have heard some of the members mention grease fittings on the
> driveline retarder, is this only the telma or also the jacobs? i have
> a jacobs and cant find any grease fittings on it. if they are there
> perhaps someone could give me the approximate location on the unit to
> look for them.
> thank you
> dick & carolyn sevey
> 83 fc33 pahrump, nv.

[Peggy & Ed McStay]

jim matus---thanks for the reply on the retarder. i have checked the
things that you told me to check and i did find the star washer that
helps to make the ground. it was dirty and loose. i cleaned it up and
reinstalled it. as for the control box with the lever i still do
not have power to it. i have tried to fine where the power enters the
box but with all the wires a mess i have yet to fine the power. on the
83 bb didnt put a switch on the dash for on and off. all that is on the
dash is a light that tells you when the retarder is on. it has worked
just fine and all of a sudden it stopped. will keep looking for the
power source to the box and if you thank of anything that will help me
please let me know. thanks again for the reply and may god bless you
and yours.

ed and peggy mcstay
83FCRB 35FT
"lonesome dove"
Lake Charles,La.