Tom
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- Joined
- Jan 13, 2005
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Without one of the additional braking systems (such as engine/Jake brake, exhaust/Pac brake, or transmission retarder), a diesel has little or no braking, and the service brakes have to be used to slow/stop the vehicle. That would result in short life for the service brake components.
An engine brake works by effectively turning the engine into a compressor, releasing the compressed air (and energy) at the top of the compression cycle. See a fuller explanation on Jacobs' web site.
An exhaust brake works by electrically closing a flap in the exhaust system, creating back pressure to slow the vehicle.
As has been said, engine brakes are more effective in slowing a diesel than an exhaust brake. So much so, that some vehicles offer the driver several degrees of braking, which changes the number of cylinders used for braking.
An engine brake works by effectively turning the engine into a compressor, releasing the compressed air (and energy) at the top of the compression cycle. See a fuller explanation on Jacobs' web site.
An exhaust brake works by electrically closing a flap in the exhaust system, creating back pressure to slow the vehicle.
As has been said, engine brakes are more effective in slowing a diesel than an exhaust brake. So much so, that some vehicles offer the driver several degrees of braking, which changes the number of cylinders used for braking.