2019 exhaust brake question

[CarlesHicks]

I just bought a 2019 2500 crew cab last week, it is my first Cummins with an exhaust brake, my last ram was an 03 HO with the NV5600. I didn’t plan on using the exhaust brake unless I was towing but I read this on the “Cummins Hub” under how to prevent turbo issues on a 6.7

Routinely use your truck's exhaust brake function. The "exhaust brake" on 6.7L Cummins engines is actually nothing more than an alternative VGT and transmission shift schedule, which constricts exhaust flow by manipulating the position of the VGT mechanism during deceleration. Using the exhaust brake forces the VGT mechanisms to operate frequently in the fully closed position. Exercising these components is believed to help prevent sticking of the mechanisms. Common 5.9L & 6.7L Cummins Diesel Problems

Is there any truth to this?

I can imagine that using the exhaust brake in you daily driving would help save on pads and routers, but it seems like it would exert extra stress on the engine, turbo and exhaust. Maybe I am wrong.
Any thoughts?

 

[AH64ID]

Use it as often as practical, just be careful and avoid using it on slick roads.

It does help the turbo and won’t add any stress to the system.

 

[petersonj]

Lots of use makes the exhaust brake happy. No stress on anything. I have a second generation truck with an exhaust brake (not a VGT, though) and I operate mine with a foot switch several times during any trip. I have logged 335,000 miles with no issues. I know that I am comparing apples to oranges, but the concept is the same.

- John

 

[lpennock]

Use it all the time. Keeps the turbo happy and reduces wear on your brake pads.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Start truck, hit EB, hit TH and enjoy the ride!

 

[CarlesHicks]

Thank you

 

[RVTRKN]

The early 6.7 CTD's, could soot up the turbo causing the the VGT to stick. This was so prevalent, that Dodge had to drill a cleanout into the turbo, and then operate the VGT through Witech cleaning them. Midway through the 08 production year a turbo with the cleanout was incorporated into the turbo from the factory. The easiest way to not get them sooted up is to keep the EB on all the time. Now that I own a 2019, I only run the EB when on the hi-way. The EB with the HO/Aisin when downshifting is too agressive for me. My 07 6.7 was the C&C with a manual, so it seemed normal when downshifting. City driving with EB seems to much for me. BTW use it in full mode if you do.

 

[HPSimpson]

First thing I do once out of the garage exhaust brake on full, and tow / haul, Cummins engine won't let engine hurt itself, just drive and enjoy.

 

[Cummins12V98]

RVTRKN you would get used to it give it a chance.

 

[TFucili]

RVTRKN you would get used to it give it a chance.

Have you test driven a 2019 in T/H with EB?

 

[RVTRKN]

I did, the first 1000 miles, but the Aisin downshifting in T/H and EB is to aggressive for me. I only run in T/H because it keeps the RPM's perfect for the CTD, but is aggressive in downshifting, add the EB to that and it is annoyingly aggressive.

 

[HPSimpson]

Wait a minute isn't the exhaust brake / tow / haul suppose to work like that, mite is just like that aggressive slows the combination down, dually 28' boat on triple axle trailer disc's all three axles.

 

[AH64ID]

TH and EB empty isn’t ideal for me and where I drive my truck. I don’t like the delayed upshifts and slam you into the steering wheel downshifts. Loaded up is great! Just not empty.

I use the EB empty most the time, probably more on auto than full.

 

[lpennock]

I use Full Exhaust brake all the time but usually only use TH when loaded. Like the smoother shifting of the standard mode and seems to give a little better fuel mileage around town.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Have you test driven a 2019 in T/H with EB?

Yes but not out on the road. I guarantee it’s no different than my truck.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I did, the first 1000 miles, but the Aisin downshifting in T/H and EB is to aggressive for me. I only run in T/H because it keeps the RPM's perfect for the CTD, but is aggressive in downshifting, add the EB to that and it is annoyingly aggressive.

Everyone has a different tolerance! I personally like the aggressive braking and solid shifting of my AISIN.

Nice to have choices.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I use Full Exhaust brake all the time but usually only use TH when loaded. Like the smoother shifting of the standard mode and seems to give a little better fuel mileage around town.

you are correct it does give a bit better mileage. I don’t like it being in the wrong gear when I touch the go pedal. TH keeps the line pressures up also.
Again personal preferences.

 

[petersonj]

I'm sure glad I have a manual six speed. I don't have to outthink a computer and I can select any gear I wish and activate the exhaust brake with a foot switch whenever I want. Never any harsh downshifts.

- John

 

[CarlesHicks]

Thank you very much guys.

 

[dieselshadow]

I use the EB pretty much every time I use the truck, but not the TH. TH is very aggressive in my ‘18. The Aisin and Cummins combo takes this very seriously and can be harsh when empty. Although it drives fine, you just don’t need this level of excitement from an empty truck.