Anyone using any exhaust brakes?

rids15 · 03-13-2007, 10:14 AM

I see there are a few entering the market and I am interested in hearing what your experiences are. I like the idea of using the engine horse power to aid in slowing the vehicle and the benifits that go along with it (reduced trailer brake maintenance, quicker engine warmup, etc).

2006LBZowner · 03-25-2007, 12:29 PM

i sure hope there'll be some replies to your question. i, too, am interested

**Diesel Nut** · 03-26-2007, 08:28 AM

I have used and installed several on customers trucks, but no Dmax's. I will tell you, they work EXCELLENT! BD or Pack is the way to go. BD's kits tend to be a bit cleaner. If you pull, man thats the only way to go.

**Tow Master** · 03-26-2007, 10:41 AM

I looked into them before but never heard of anyone installing them. Id be interested to see how they work. Its a heck of a good idea. I also hear there good to use when ur warming up the truck in the morning.

**Diesel Nut** · 03-26-2007, 11:48 AM

Well, most of my heavy haul customers are running Dodges (easy now - I forgot my flame retardant suit!

) and all of them swear by exhaust brakes. I had one on my 2003 Cummins and it was a night and day difference. Towing in hills is so much safer and easier. It really is the best thing a hauler can do to his truck.

4wdcwby · 03-27-2007, 05:24 PM

i thought the chevy has grade braking.or maybe engine/tranny braking. example. when i am pulling my toyhauler at a good rate of speed or going down a grade, when i step the brake my rpm's move up alittle and i think my engine and tranny start helping me slow down. ( poss down shifting ) ??
this is not the same as exhaust braking ?????????

rids15 · 03-28-2007, 07:16 AM

What I'm refering to is a manually controled butterfly valve that restricts exhaust flow. I've done some checking and here is what I've found; Long story short - this will produce momentary higher cylinder pressure (just like having a "potato" in the tail pipe). This increase in turning (crankshaft) force will turn the engine into a vehicle brake (I have been told as much as 40 horse power worth of effective breaking). Grade braking works in a similar manner except that it is computer controled. The computer senses vehicle and engine speed conditions and will produce braking by automatically down shifting when speeds increase by a given percentage. It also modifies the fuel and shift timing to aid in this. The effect is similar to the exhaust valve except that it does not have the added benifit of the controlable exhaust restriction - plus you don't get the additional sound (only if it sounded like a real Jake Brake). There is an additional benifit of quicker engine warmups in cold weather.

Frozenhosehead · 03-28-2007, 08:48 AM

Can you explain a little more on how the jake brake helps the engine to warm up on COLD days?

rids15 · 04-01-2007, 05:09 PM

I'm not sure about the true explaination as to how this will help with engine warm up (I got caught repeating product advertisment). If I had to guess, I would say that it uses the valve to restrict exhaust flow at idle which will force the engine to work harder to reach and maintain this set RPM. I'm sure somebody out there can set us straight on this.

**Diesel Nut** · 04-02-2007, 10:07 AM

BY engaging the brake while idling it raises the EGts about 150*, thuse help ing the motor to warm up faster.

Grade holding or grade braking is simply transmission programming to hold a gear instead of unlocking the converter and letting you coast. However, due to the nature of how a diesel runs, it does not produce a large amount of Engine braking by it's self. By using an exhaust brake to close off the exhaust flow and apply back pressure against the pistons (usually about 60 PSI) you can greatly improve braking and safety.