use Engine Break when not towing?
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 433
Likes: 57
From: Bridgewater Ma
use Engine Break when not towing?
Hello everyone,
Just wondering if it is ok to use the Engine Break when not towing? Just driving around town. Thinking it will save on breaks and I like the way it works. Thank you for your input.
Eddie
Just wondering if it is ok to use the Engine Break when not towing? Just driving around town. Thinking it will save on breaks and I like the way it works. Thank you for your input.
Eddie
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,127
Likes: 663
From: NH
Absolutely. You can use it anytime you like with no harm done. The engine brake doesn't know if the truck is towing or not.
It is actually the turbocharger that is being used to create pressure against the pistons which slows the engine down.
It is actually the turbocharger that is being used to create pressure against the pistons which slows the engine down.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 906
Likes: 107
From: Seattle area
Yep. No worries for the truck. You could run with it on for the life of the truck. I turn mine on for a few long downhill runs around here and it works great. I've also left it on and found it doesn't really do much in city traffic. I'd say use it like you want to. If you like it and don't mind hitting the button every time you drive, go for it.
Brakes are pretty cheap and easy to replace, though...
Brakes are pretty cheap and easy to replace, though...
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
I use mine all the time, and I use manual shifting to reduce brake usage, where feasible, possible. It really does make a difference, how long the brakes last. Kind of fun to drive as well. I can come to almost a complete stop with shifting and engine braking empty as long as I plan ahead a bit. It is good for the motor, doesnt hurt a thing. I say use it as much or as little as you like.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 269
From: Southwestern Pa.
In my 6.7 Cummins I turned the engine brake every time I started the truck. The only time I didn't use it was when the roads were slippery. Common thought on the Cummins forums was that frequent usage cut down on carbon buildup on the turbo. And it does help extend brake life.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
From: wi
oh yea . engine brake n tow haul . second n third buttons I touch .. first is the start button .. save the brakes .. and all that cleaning due to these chit brake pads lol
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 69
Likes: 3
In my 6.7 Cummins I turned the engine brake every time I started the truck. The only time I didn't use it was when the roads were slippery. Common thought on the Cummins forums was that frequent usage cut down on carbon buildup on the turbo. And it does help extend brake life.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 906
Likes: 107
From: Seattle area
Both tow haul and the exhaust brake effectively apply a braking force to the rear wheels only. With the already light rear end, rear wheel braking can cause the back end to slide out. If you’re already in a turn you can lose control pretty quickly when the engine decides to brake and the rear end slides straight ahead as the front turns.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 959
Likes: 10
From: Medford, OR
Both tow haul and the exhaust brake effectively apply a braking force to the rear wheels only. With the already light rear end, rear wheel braking can cause the back end to slide out. If you’re already in a turn you can lose control pretty quickly when the engine decides to brake and the rear end slides straight ahead as the front turns.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 960
Likes: 4
Both tow haul and the exhaust brake effectively apply a braking force to the rear wheels only. With the already light rear end, rear wheel braking can cause the back end to slide out. If you’re already in a turn you can lose control pretty quickly when the engine decides to brake and the rear end slides straight ahead as the front turns.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 114
Likes: 5
From: Miami, Fl
From my understanding the engine brake/ retarder is only an issue when it just starts raining due to contamination/ oils coming up off the road may cause slipping other than after it's been wet for a while your good to keep using your exhaust brake.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 787
Likes: 73
From: Lansing MI
As I understand the workings of the system, would it not be detrimental to your mileage as well?
It normal conditions, when you left of the throttle an coast, you have back pressure from the engine, on the drive line that applies a braking force. My understanding is the turbo is used to help increase this back pressure, to generate additional braking force. It seems to me that it would just cut down the distance the truck will coast, thus requiring you to use the throttle sooner, and decreasing mileage.
It normal conditions, when you left of the throttle an coast, you have back pressure from the engine, on the drive line that applies a braking force. My understanding is the turbo is used to help increase this back pressure, to generate additional braking force. It seems to me that it would just cut down the distance the truck will coast, thus requiring you to use the throttle sooner, and decreasing mileage.