08 6.7 jake brake...

[bigsilver67]

just bought an 08 6. 7l cummins 4door long bed. i have heard alot of talk about i should be leavin the jake brake on all the time... is this true? and if so then why is that?

 

[RustyJC]

It's suggested to leave it on whenever possible. The constant movement of the variable nozzle ring to the minimum open position (i. e. , exhaust braking position) helps to prevent soot buildup and sticking. A side benefit is reduced wear on the service brakes.



Rusty

 

[bigsilver67]

ok thanks. just bought the truck a few weeks ago and its got right around 90k on it. not sure if brake was kept on previously.

 

[HBarlow]

Most owners who have driven a Ram with an exhaust brake will never drive without it. It's like forgetting to put your pants on and walking out your front door. You feel naked and uncomfortable without either one.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

@Harvey, LOL, I know on my 2001 it is still the most used thing I have added to the truck, well that and the Eaton shift knob that controls the exhaust brake! It would feel strange to not have one after 200K.



SHG

 

[CSkal]

Most owners who have driven a Ram with an exhaust brake will never drive without it. It's like forgetting to put your pants on and walking out your front door. You feel naked and uncomfortable without either one.

Yeap, I keep taking my foot off the throttle on my wife's car and am surprised everytime when I don't hear the jake actuate...

 

[HBarlow]

... ... or reduce speed. My wife's car freewheels and maintains speed when I lift my foot.

 

[JCJohnson]

THANKS! For the info. Does it also lower the mpg when left on? I use it when I'm pulling a load, but have not used it when just driving around. So the recommendation is to start using it for normal driving?

 

[HBarlow]

I've read comments by some who believe use of an exhaust brake reduces fuel economy but if accurate, it could only be a miniscule amount. I disregard the issue entirely.

Yes, absolutely. The so-called exhaust brake in our trucks is actually the variable geometry turbocharger that closes the vanes blocking exhaust discharge when the "EB" is activated and when the driver backs off the accelerator pedal.

The variable geometry turbo (VGT) needs to be exercised from full open (full boost) to fully closed (no fuel, no boost, and exhaust brake application) in order to avoid exhaust soot causing internal turbo binding which requires tear down or replacement.

Use your EB full time (except on ice or slick pavement) everytime you drive the truck and use full boost (full acceleration) occasionally as well as exhaust braking to exercise your VGT and prevent issues.

 

[Cosmo]

I don't know that full boost is the most open - it seems that steady cruise and/or idle would result in the exhaust vanes retracting all the way to reduce boost generated, whereas full throttle would shrink the vanes to get the turbo spinning (small exhaust spins the compressor faster)...

 

[KLauber]

Harvey, like we used to say on CH 19... mash tha motor!

Ken

 

[HBarlow]

I don't know that full boost is the most open - it seems that steady cruise and/or idle would result in the exhaust vanes retracting all the way to reduce boost generated, whereas full throttle would shrink the vanes to get the turbo spinning (small exhaust spins the compressor faster)...

Full boost on the trucks I've owned has occurred under full throttle with a heavy load.

It doesn't really matter, the point was to exercise the turbo. I"m not qualified to discuss the internal technical workings of the VGT.

 

[HBarlow]

Harvey, like we used to say on CH 19... mash tha motor!

Ken

"Mash the motor" huh? I guess I've been missing a part of my education by failing to listen to Ch-19. I know all the crude language required, I was a sailor for many years.

 

[JDinNY]

Most owners who have driven a Ram with an exhaust brake will never drive without it. It's like forgetting to put your pants on and walking out your front door. You feel naked and uncomfortable without either one.

I surely agrre with that Harvey

Fair Winds and Following Seas