I bought a new set of Jake Brakes for the 8V71 in my GM 4905, but I still need the buffer switch, and the switches for the dash(2 stage).
Does anybody know of a good source? Are the dash switches something I can get generically from an online electrical/electronics supplier?
I know the buffer switch price normally ends with **OUCH**!!! :o
Thanks for the help in advance!!
Steve Toomey
PAbusnut
Any toggle switch will work you need a off/on for a single stage or a off/on 3 position 2 on switch for the 2 stage brake if wired for the 2 stage, for the buffer what type are you wanting solid state, micro or the fast idle combo micro buffer switch
I just used two toggle switches; one for each stage. The second switch is powered through the first. If you do not mind giving up fast idle, as we did, the buffer switch is not expensive. We generally do not idle at all, so the fast idle was not important. However, on the rare occasion that I want a high idle for some mechanical reason, I put a weight on the fuel pedal. It works!
My buffer switch quit a while back but I still have the high idle so I just turn the jakes on when I need them and flip them off when I reach the bottom of the hill before stepping on the fuel pedal. A generic 3 position toggle switch with off/on/on is all you need for the dash. The first 'on' position turns on the first bank and the second 'on' position turns on both banks. Don't ever step on the fuel when you have the jakes on unless you want to smoke out the guy behind you or cause irreparable harm to your engine. That's what the buffer does.
HTH Will
I don't have a working high idle now, but knowing myself----I need the buffer switch! I don't need any OOPS! engine damage that I can attempt to idiot proof (i.e. me = idiot)
I have some new solid state or used micro buffer switches I'll make you a deal fwiw if want the Jake plate for the dash there are the single or the double plate on E bay from 2 bucks up without the toggles
The single 1 switch plate for 2 bucks is all you need if you want the plate
Don't ever step on the fuel when you have the jakes on unless you want to smoke out the guy behind you or cause irreparable harm to your engine. That's what the buffer does.
Just curious what damage will it do?
Rick
isn't all damage repairable?
I am more concerned about the irrepairable impact to my wallet!! :D ;D
I would just do the single stage. I would be interested to see how many actually use both settings.
Quote from: Barn Owl on April 21, 2015, 06:52:44 PM
I would just do the single stage. I would be interested to see how many actually use both settings.
I find that I use both banks more often than not. If I had to replace the toggle again I would just have both banks come on all the time. For those that are curious, I was coming down a long grade with the Jakes on when the buffer switch quit working. I reached the bottom and stepped on the fuel and nothing happened. I kept stomping on the fuel while watching the tachometer falling. I thought the engine had died. Then for whatever reason, I switched off the Jakes, something I normally left for the buffer switch to do. Immediately, the old 892 surged to life and when I looked in the rearview mirror saw a huge cloud of smoke. I feel fortunate that nothing serious happened to my engine. The funny thing about this is in the Prevost manual it recommends leaving the Jakes on all the time under normal driving conditions.
HTH Will
Barnowl, I use the first stage of the Jake a lot. I have noticed also that Tom C. likes using his the same way. I do not know if it is a coincidence or not, but both of our Jakes were adjusted by Don F. I can simply glide down an up to 6% grade with just one the first stage on. Above that, or for a faster slow down, I put the second stage in play. The single stage is also great for slowing down when approaching a stop light from some distance.
I know Clifford considers it a waste of wire, but since I used a three wire extension cord, the extra wire was free anyway.
::) Auto or Std transmissions.. just curious ?
Allison MT 647. I have also installed a valve to keep it in lockup in 1st and 2nd. 1st is really not as important as 2nd though. I think a 740 locks up in 2nd anyway.
;D Donald Fairchild is not going to like being called Don W back to business Steven your switch is coming USPO crazy UPS wanted 16 bucks 3 bucks worked better for me
Thanks Clifford!
I have a trip planned for about 6 weeks from now. I'll have to see if my mechanic can get it in before then so I can test it on the trip.
Steve Toomey
PAbusnut
Opps, Yes, it is corrected to read Don F!
Quote from: eagle19952 on April 22, 2015, 04:07:52 PM
::) Auto or Std transmissions.. just curious ?
Auto-754
Will
On my Series 60 I almost always use all three stages. I don't know that I have ever used medium or low. I usually need more Jake braking rather than less. Yes, I have had the Jakes adjusted. I find the Jakes work best if I downshift to 3rd gear on my B500, but often I don't seem to turn the Jakes on in time and the transmission automatically upshifts back to 4th gear due to high RPMs.
If your Jakes are switched on and your buffer switch is working, every time you back off on the fuel pedal, the jakes kick on. It's only when the buffer switch fails that they stay on when you depress the fuel pedal unless you have them turned off all the time and just turn them on when you need the braking. Before my buffer switch quit, I liked the way the bus would slow down in traffic just by releasing the fuel pedal, now it just rolls like a tank and I have relearned how to use a brake pedal (air brakes) LOL. There's something to be said about a louder horn.
Will
I never could understand why people use Jakes on flat ground...
Donald- Although I can understand your point, I do use mine on the flats often. There are times when I feel like I've failed in some way if I have to step on the brake pedal.
Quote from: Lin on April 25, 2015, 10:32:40 AM
Donald- Although I can understand your point, I do use mine on the flats often. There are times when I feel like I've failed in some way if I have to step on the brake pedal.
I felt the same way until my buffer switch failed LOL (Thought it was just me)
Everyone seems to be different. I rarely use mine in hilly ground, I prefer to roll free down the hill and gain as much free momentum as I can, within reason. I'll switch them on for a moment if I need to, of course. Where I really like them is in stop and go traffic that you find in construction on the highway, they make it real easy to keep a distance in that kind of stop and start traffic.
Brian
Clifford,
The switch arrived today in the USPS. The check will be in the USPS Monday morning.
Many Thanks!
Steve Toomey
PAbusnut
My mechanic thinks dual stage brakes on a 2 stroke are not very effective. I had a bank go out on a trip and I just didn't like it. I am usually all or nothing. There might be some room for adjustment but I am very happy with them the way they are now and I have driven several 4106 buses with and without Jakes. Since I have a v730 my left foot has little to do. I added a foot operated momentary-on switch for my Jakes in addition to the toggle switch. I use it much like a brake and am amazed at how natural and easy it is to incorporate into driving the bus. I am surprised there are not more out there with something similar. I dislike keeping my foot on the throttle, especially on long trips, so that little floor button is great for my style of driving.
Taking the bus up this weekend for my mechanic (Bryon Hassinger) to install the Jakes. I think I am going with the single stage initially, but making making sure I can rewire to 2 stage later. When I am driving, the fewer distractions/complications the better.
Now the pressure is on to locate the three spare wires running front to rear in the wiring harness, and remove the center section in the tailgate for clearance for the taller valve covers! ;D
Steve Toomey
PAbusnut