Help for a neophyte with a Jacobs EB on a new 600

[jarmar]

Just picked up my new truck and I am actually quite excited about it. I had a Jacobs exhaust brake installed. Having never had an EB before I need some help.



On the way down highway 50 from Carson City I would apply the EB on steep grades. If it made any difference it so subtle I could not tell for sure if it was working. I expected an unmistakable effect when the EB was applied. Is this the normal way an EB works?



jr

 

[klenger]

Braking effort with an exhaust brake is proportional to engine RPM. In other words, you will get much more braking action at 2800 RPM than you will at 1500. Are you sure it was activating? You should be able to tell by the sound it makes. Kind of a wistle sound.



See http://www.jakebrake.com/content.php4?doc_uid=40 for a chart of braking effort vs RPM.

 

[SRadke]

Your ebrake will do virtually nothing unless your RPM is over 2000. It's a great investment, trust me.



-Scott

 

[jarmar]

Originally posted by klenger

Are you sure it was activating?

Actually, no. I will be driving down hill tomorrow. I will pay more attention to the sounds and rpm. Thanks for the response.



I also downloaded the Jacobs operating manual and will read it.



jr

 

[Casey Balvert]

Activate the brake while you are sitting still idling with a cold engine. There will be no doubt if it is working or not from the sound of the exhaust. If there is no difference then you need to take it back to the dealer and have them fix it.



Casey

 

[jarmar]

Originally posted by Casey Balvert

Activate the brake while you are sitting still idling with a cold engine.

Thanks for the suggestion Casey. I will try it this morning.



jr