Need Jake Brake switches

[pabusnut]

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**!!!

Thanks for the help in advance!!

Steve Toomey
PAbusnut

[luvrbus]

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     

[Lin]

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!

[PP]

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

[pabusnut]

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)

[luvrbus]

 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 

[Rick 74 MC-8]

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

[Lin]

isn't all damage repairable?

[pabusnut]

I am more concerned about the irrepairable impact to my wallet!!

[Barn Owl]

I would just do the single stage. I would be interested to see how many actually use both settings.

[PP]

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

[Lin]

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.

[eagle19952]

    Auto or Std transmissions.. just curious ?

[Lin]

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.

[luvrbus]

  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