VGT Exhaust Brake on 2008

[SnoKing]

My BIL has a 2008 that has a MIA EGR and DPF. He bought it used in that state. We have met up in Arizona with our 5th wheels. We were riding around yesterday with them and I asked how they liked the exhaust brake? They were clueless about that and have not been pushing the button to turn it on, and the seller did not tell them about it. Is there any risk to start using it now 2000 miles from their home. I do not want to start having VGT tubro issues because I told them to push the button on the dash after starting the truck. They also stay that the transmission seems to do better towing their 9-10K 5er NOT in tow/haul. Does tow/haul need to be active for the exhaust brake? They do not have the OEM diesel version owners manual.

Thanks SNOKING

 

[AH64ID]

The OEM manual can be found online at ramtruck.com/owners

There should be no risk using the exhaust brake. The newer software, which is truck probably has, is supposed to actuate the vanes at each start.

What tuner are they running? It may have different trans programming.

 

[RVTRKN]

Also, when in regen at stop lights you'll hear the exhaust brake engage which means the VG vanes still move as well, and under certain conditions they move as engine requires it. The EB is an afterthought and the early C&C's had it as an option which meant you had to buy the hardware and have it turned on by the dealer.

 

[Jim W]

Better late than never!!

You do not need to activate the tow/haul mode to use the exhaust brake. In fact if the tow/haul mode is activated the down shifting of the transmission and the use of the exhaust brake function is more aggressive than when the tow/haul mode is not activated. This feature is to help in stopping the heavier load placed on the truck when towing and or carrying a heavy load.

I use the exhaust brake on my truck about 95% of the time when driving; the only time is when the roads are slick with ice or heavy rain has occurred that the brake is shut off. I will start the truck and engage the exhaust brake immediately even before putting the transmission in gear to move. I have learned that using the exhaust brake function keeps the turbo from sooting up from the EGR system if equipped. This also helps in warming up the engine faster when the brake is engaged.

Jim W.

 

[Cummins12V98]

EB and TH ON ALL THE TIME!!!

 

[RVTRKN]

I use the exhaust brake on my truck about 95% of the time when driving; the only time is when the roads are slick with ice or heavy rain has occurred that the brake is shut off. I will start the truck and engage the exhaust brake immediately even before putting the transmission in gear to move. I have learned that using the exhaust brake function keeps the turbo from sooting up from the EGR system if equipped. This also helps in warming up the engine faster when the brake is engaged.

Jim W.

Jim, I was asked tonight if running the EB all the time was good for the engine/turbo/MPG, that there is a reason you have the ability to turn it off? I was dumbfounded at this question, as I have always keep my EB on and even as it is recommend this post not to mention since the 6.7 came into existence. Normally I would take it with a grain of salt, but this question came from the owner of my new service truck that's in my signature. Will running the EB all the time cause poor MPG or damage anything?

 

[seafish]

Will running the EB all the time cause poor MPG or damage anything?

Absolutely not… I believe that the OM actually recommends leaving the EB on, and I know from reading the forums that most people do just that ...the on/off switch is there so that in certain driving conditions that are NOT conducive to engine braking (like the icy roads that JimW mentions), it can be turned off for driving safety, not engine safety.

 

[AH64ID]

As seafish mentioned there are times where you don't want it, another one is rolling hills with cruise control on. Your mileage will go down if your braking every time you hit 1-2 mph above the cruise, so turn it off an enjoy the coasting.

 

[Jim W]

Jim, I was asked tonight if running the EB all the time was good for the engine/turbo/MPG, that there is a reason you have the ability to turn it off? I was dumbfounded at this question, as I have always keep my EB on and even as it is recommend this post not to mention since the 6.7 came into existence. Normally I would take it with a grain of salt, but this question came from the owner of my new service truck that's in my signature. Will running the EB all the time cause poor MPG or damage anything?

Like others have said the EB will not hurt the engine or turbo but you may lose some fuel mileage because you can not coast with the EB on. I really cannot tell you how much fuel mileage you will lose since all of my fuel mileage readings are mainly with the EB on.
In town I see between 12 through 15 MPG depending on the weather/road and idling conditions. I have achieve 20 MPG sometimes when I am on the Highway for long periods of time without the camper attached but this is very rare. When pulling my 5ER I see mainly around 11 to 13 MPG.

Jim W.

 

[crispyboy]

The service manager at the local dealership suggested I drive with the EB on as much as possible.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Service manager at Dave Smith told me to run the hell out of it and always run EB and TH. All great advice.