Exhaust brake

[GOakes]

I've modified the torque converter clutch on my truck so that it can be closed on command. With this arrangement the engine helps slow my truck and trailer on the way down a mountain pass.

I do not have an exhaust brake.

The folks that sell exhaust brakes say they are " the greatest thing that's ever been put on a diesel" and that I must upgrade. So I looked at the Jacobe's brake. It's stopping power is rated in horse power vs. RPM . I guess that's a good way to do it but I can't think in those units, especially sense I don't have a clue as to the slowing power of the engine without the exhaust brake.

So what I'm asking here is,that you share your experience with your exhaust brake. I'm asking that you rate the value of your exhaust brake to you. I am especially interested in your experiences in "Rockies & Sierras class mountain driving" on long grades such as mountain passes (two to five miles), with 8500+lb. trailer in tow.



On a scale of one to five please rate the improvement of an exhaust brake vs. stock engine braking.



Scale values 1= no better

2= improved but not enough to warrent cost

3= definate imptovement

4= worth every penny

5= awsume

 

[Joe G.]

GOokes,



I don't think this question is exactly posed correctly. Everybody, including me, will just brag about their exhaust brake. Few of us have any experience with more than one brand so we really don't have any idea how ours compares with the competition (mine is wonderful of course). We all know that an exhaust brake is almost useless with an automatic in these trucks unless there is some way to make the TCC stay locked which you have.



Haveing said that, we know from Bill K's posts that a forced locked TCC can result in damage. I have a PacBrake. It does a good job, but I have no idea about the others. The one I have is used with 35 lb valve springs so does not put the load on the engine or the transmission that one intended for use with 60 lb valve springs would. I was intending to upgrade to the 60 lb valve springs and get the part from PacBrake to upgrade the brake butterfly. After reading a lot of recent posts about forced locked TCCs and possible damage, I have decided to stay with the less aggressive brake. It is probably easier on the transmission.

 

[QRTRHRS]

GOakes,



With the 5 spd, I would rate my BD a 10! Not saying BD is the best as Joe G said, I only know my own. Just gloating on how much the brake enhances drivability in general. For example, let's say your following someone down a hill and you need to keep lightly hitting the brakes to maintain proper following distance etc. With the ex brake, your not on the brakes at all. Keeps you from getting stressed out while pokey plods along. On occasion I gross out about 21 or 22k. I can go down some fairly good grades in 4th (4:10 rear) and bairly need to use my service brakes. The brake noise is noticable with a 4" exhaust. That's good for getting attention when you feel the need.

 

[DRR-24V]

GOakes,

If you pull any type of trailer you will love an Ex Brake. I just installed the Pac Brake and love it. They all do about the same thing.

 

[Bug Out]

An example would be, coming home from Reno, NV I was able to only use my brakes "once" coming down the summit, and that was because a big rig had slowed down due to his smoking brakes.



I pull a Jayco 31' 5th average weight 10,500 or so. Combo 18,000+.



Some of the grades are 6% per the signs if I remember correctly.



Its the best investment you'll ever get.

 

[GOakes]

Thanks

Thank you one and all for taking the time to answer my question