For those on the 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton bubble...
After upgrading from a half ton at the beginning of summer, we just got back from our first long trip involving steep hills with our new 3/4 ton. Just wanted to pass on our experiences. If you're tryi...
Forum Discussion
Terryallan wrote:jerem0621 wrote:ScottG wrote:
None of the newest 1/2T's have even to the grade braking the diesels do.
Most of them do not need it as they are gasoline V8’s. Just gear down.
Agree. It come naturally in a gas engine. Why add something that is already there.
however it has to be added to diesels, since it is not a natural thing for them.
Well in a gas engine there is a throttle plate when that is closed the engine can't draw combustion air in so the engine has resistance to turning. We called this "Compression" braking, but in reality it is "Vacuum" braking as the piston can't suck in air with the throttle plate closed.
Diesels don't have throttle plates, as engine speed is determined by the amount of fuel injected into the cylinder.
In a diesel it is "Compression" braking as the path for the exhaust is greatly restricted, and when the piston is trying to expel the exhaust gas it is blocked offering great resistance to piston travel.
