Re: [A/S] Stick shift for towing?

[Jerry Flanders <jeflanders@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I found this info at:

http://www.drivetrain.com/whatisdieselexhtbrk.html

"...in mountainous of hilly regions or any place where significant grades 
in roads are found, gasoline engines vehicles hauling loads have and 
advantage in stopping power over diesel engine vehicles. This advantage is 
inherent in the design of the gasoline engine, as the gasoline engine is 
designed with a carburetor or injection system that includes a throttle 
valve often referred to as a butterfly. When the accelerator, or throttle, 
is not engaged, as when braking, the butterfly closes off the air intake of 
the engine forming a compressor effect that assists the vehicle in braking.

No Help

This is not possible in diesel engines because they have no throttle 
butterfly. When the accelerator of the diesel engine is released, no 
compression is developed and the brakes of the vehicle are give the entire 
task of stopping the vehicle. Lightly loaded or on flat land, the brakes 
are usually adequate on their own, but in hard braking situations generally 
the brakes are over-exerted and wear out sooner or dangerously overheat."

Caveat: This web page is from a dealer selling a diesel brake add-on .

Jerry  4404