RE: [A/S] Light Truck Diesel Engine Exhaust Brakes

["Dick Martin" <suburbandvr@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

A little confusion exists.  

There are two types of brakes.  One is called an exhaust brake
(light/medium duty trucks) and the other is an engine brake (heavy duty
trucks).  The exhaust brake is in the exhaust system and is a simple
valve that severely restricts the exhaust gas just behind the engine.
It is unnoticeable in it's operation except for providing compression
braking in a diesel engine drive train.  The engine brake is one or two
engine mounted devices that prevent the engine's exhaust valves from
opening and therefore building up pressure in the cylinders and
providing a large amount of compression braking.  They are the big noise
makers and are often banned in areas where people have gotten tired of
inconsiderate semi drivers making noise.

See: http://www.jakebrake.com/main.htm for more information.

 Dick Martin
    mailto:martin13@internetcds.com
    http://home.cdsnet.net/~martin13