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
rhagfo wrote:
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.
That's still not "Compression braking". Compression" braking is when the piston compresses the air and it’s then dumped by opening the exhaust valve. Before the piston travels back down.
