Exhaust Brake

Sport45 wrote:
Other than the concerns about slick roads, the biggest downside I see is the exhaust brake will cost you mpg's by interfering with your ability to coast. In the long run the diesel burnt will probably cost more than the brake pads saved.

This is a ridiculous statement..... Aside from the obvious ON/OFF switch..... First off, when the truck is decelerating down a hill there is ZERO fuel being injected into the engine via the (DFCO) Deceleration Fuel Cut Off system. Almost every fuel injected vehicle has this, especially diesels.

Second, if you choose to use neutral while coasting downhill, not only is this freaking crazy dangerous (especially while towing) and illegal, but your engine uses more fuel than decelerating in gear as its now injecting enough fuel to keep the engine idling.

Third, and exhaust brake is a safety device which offsets load on the braking system which lessens the chances of brake fatigue and failure. Any company who thinks they're saving a few cents on fuel by using an exhaust brake is completely and utterly foolish and/or they have no faith in their drivers ability to use an exhaust brake in conjunction with the service brakes. Really.....I cant even think of a good reason why they would advise their drivers to use it very little. :h

There was talk many years ago whereby it should be mandatory that all diesel trucks marketed as a towing vehicle should be equipped with an exhaust brake from the factory simply because its such a huge safety advantage. Most diesel engines dont have an intake venturi because of the way diesel fuel is regulated into the cylinders, therefor there is no retarding factor either when letting off the fuel pedal. They almost coast down the road with weight behind them. So if you've ever had the opportunity to experience towing something heavy in the hills with a diesel truck you'll greatly appreciate the help of this little device. A heavy trailer behind a diesel truck with failing brakes can turn into a missile plunging toward a massive wreck.

When I got into the diesel world years ago I was towing a load of wood down a long mountain highway grade. Very scary when I found my brakes didnt want to slow my loaded combo fast enough for the approaching corners. When I got home I ordered my exhaust brake because I NEVER wanted to experience that white knuckle E ticket ride again.....