Question on Jake brake operation and an offer

[LPChristensen]

I just spent the last few days installing my Jake Brake and I have a question or two for those of you that have installed and used one. I have watched my brake valve open and close and I can hear the vacuum pump work when you turn on the switch, so I am fairly confident that it is working as it should. When you apply the brake at highway speed, I "assumed" that I would feel more of a normal braking sensation. I can feel the truck slow down, but it is not as dramatic as I thought might be the case. Is this normal? Also, that little red LED bulb in the switch housing on the shift lever is not very bright. At first I didn't even think it was working, so I traced my wiring and everything was as it should be. Later, when it was darker, I noticed that it was glowing when on, but it sure is not very noticeable. Is this common?



Lastly, I have the fan/v-belt that came off my 03 HO that had 3, 500 mile on it. If anybody would like to have it for a pittance plus shipping let me know. I hate to see a good item dry rot in my garage.



Thanks for the help!

 

[DHess]

Larry,



Get the RPMs up and you will really feel the braking. Just normal slowing won't give you a lot of braking feel or power. E-Brakes work best with RPMs 2000 or better. Never paid attention to the indicator. Will have to check on that.



Dave Hess

 

[Dean Upson]

What Dave said. The braking is best over 2000 rpm, although you can feel it at almost any speed. I have my switch mounted on the right side of the stalk so I can't even see the light and I doubt if I would look at it much anyway. I just feel where the switch is, up or down. I would not be in a hurry to give the belt away, I keep mine in the toolbox just in case. It the other belt goes south, I can just bypass the vacuum pump. Good luck with your brake, you will love it when you tow.



Dean

 

[stick]

You will feel it even better with a load behind it !



Stick

 

[Briman]

My LED is bright, even in day light. Put the old belt under your rear seat for a spare. Does your switch have the built in buzz. I have the optional rubber band around the shift knob and pull up switch to keep the buss to a dull roar.

 

[Dean Upson]

I checked out my LED and it is also bright. Nearly as bright as the driver .



Dean

 

[ropinfool2]

If you are sure you want to get rid of the belt, send me a email and let me know how much you want for it. John

 

[amsoilman]

AS those above have said; "Braking is best above 2000 RPM"! I can definitely feel mine come in especialy with a load. The LED on the shifter is bright in my case. I would check to make sure you have a good ground on the light circuit if the LED is dim.

As was suggested, keep the old belt and it may come in handy if the one you now have installed breaks, just by-pass the vacuum pump pulley.



I LOVE THIS BRAKE!



Wayne

amsoilman