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

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Joy,

As others pointed out, the exhaust brake used on light trucks is very
different from the engine brake used on heavy trucks in design as well as
noise generation.

The exhaust brake on my Dodge-Cummins makes a mild roaring sound when
applied, hardly enough to be offensive to anyone who actually has a life.  I
don't share your view that the signs (and ordinances) are important.  I have
encountered, and ignored, many posted signs like the ones you mentioned.  I
make early and prolonged use of my exhaust brake as I pass such signs.  As I
have previously stated, I am not enthusiastic about excessive regulation of
human behavior.  This is, after all, America, the land of the free.  I
wonder: are the citizens who pass and post such restrictive ordinances aware
that if large commercial trucks avoided their communities, the shelves of
their grocery stores, department stores, clothing stores, etc. would be
empty?  And so would their gasoline stations.  Noisy eighteen wheel trucks
are the sound of commerce.  They, and their drivers, play a major role in
our economy.

I don't have a clue what you are describing when you refer to "the baffle
already in the exhaust for quick computer controlled warm ups".  Where did
you get that information?  If new Ford PSDs have a "baffle" in the exhaust
it would have to be either variable like a ball valve or gate valve, which
is the design of an exhaust brake, or fixed and constant in which case it
would always restrict exhaust and reduce performance.  I have not read tests
or literature on the new Fords so can't say whether such a device is
installed.

Harvey