Jake switch location?

goutoe · October 02, 2012, 07:33:45 AM

My Jake brake switch is a toggle mounted on the dash under the steering wheel, pretty hard to reach, I would like to move it preferably to the floor I am thinking about using a dimmer switch, would this work? I am guessing it is probably a 2 wire switch I could use 1 side of the dimmer switch. where do you guys prefer your jake swiches? any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

John.

bevans6 · October 02, 2012, 08:44:54 AM

A stomp switch will work fine. My switch is in the stock MCI location on the side dash switch panel. It could be more convenient.

Brian

Mex-Busnut · October 02, 2012, 09:21:36 AM

I was considering moving mine from the dash to the gear shift, kind of like the two-speed rear end switches of yesteryear.

TomC · October 02, 2012, 03:47:18 PM

On trucks we have an option for the Jake brake to be mounted on the shifter. I would keep the toggle switch on the dash-just reposition it to a more convenient spot. A floor switch can be a pain especially going down a long grade. Better to just turn on the toggle switch, then control the speed by gently applying the gas pedal to turn off and on the Jake. Good Luck, TomC

luvrbus · October 02, 2012, 04:28:59 PM

What difference does it make where the switch is located this guy sounds like he has no buffer switch just turn the switch on a leave it the buffer will take care of the rest if he has one

It doesn't hurt the Jakes to be hot all the time with a buffer switch now a direct hookup is a different story

bobofthenorth · October 02, 2012, 04:41:52 PM

I've driven trucks with the switch on the stick and while its convenient to be able to flip the Jakes off for shifting I wouldn't go that way. Its too easy to bump them while you're shifting and not realize that you've changed the Jake position off or on. Personally I don't like shifting with the Jakes on - maybe if I shifted that way I would want the switch on the stick. My switch is on the dash with a toggle extension. I can reach out in the dark and the first thing I hit is the toggle extension so its easy to find. Do whatever works for you.

Mex-Busnut · October 02, 2012, 05:45:35 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on October 02, 2012, 04:28:59 PMThis guy sounds like he has no buffer switch.
[snip]
It doesn't hurt the Jakes to be hot all the time with a buffer switch. Now a direct hookup is a different story

Please excuse my extreme ignorance: What is a "buffer switch"? Mine just has "On/Off"; well actually, it is in Spanish, so it says: "Encendido/Apagado".

Also: Somebody suggested I use a three-position switch to turn on only one side or both sides of the engine's Jakes. Is that even possible?

Thanks in advance!

luvrbus · October 02, 2012, 06:01:19 PM

The buffer switch is mounted on the engine look on the left side of the governor housing looking at the front of the engine about 2 inches under the plate if you have wires going to switch then you have buffer

If you are hooked up direct and it would take 2 switches and 2 separate wire 1 for each bank (left and right) for a hi/lo (1 bank or both banks) takes 4 wires going from the front switch to rear to the buffer switch for a hi/lo Jake What a waste of wire lol

sdc53 · October 02, 2012, 06:14:21 PM

Mine are both heads on at same time, toggle switch with long extension at left side. I have to reach a bit to flip it. Would be nice if it was closer, but ok where it is. I'd like low/high functionality, but don't know where the extra pairs are (the wiring uses one of the "spare" circuits from rear to front).

Scott
'69 4107
Gladstone, OR

PP · October 02, 2012, 06:21:51 PM

Please excuse my extreme ignorance: What is a "buffer switch"? Mine just has "On/Off"; well actually, it is in Spanish, so it says: "Encendido/Apagado".

[/quote]

All that fits on the switch?

Mex-Busnut · October 02, 2012, 06:24:28 PM

Quote from: PP on October 02, 2012, 06:21:51 PM
Please excuse my extreme ignorance: What is a "buffer switch"? Mine just has "On/Off"; well actually, it is in Spanish, so it says: "Encendido/Apagado".

All that fits on the switch?

[/quote]

It is abbreviated : "Enc/Apa"

Lin · October 02, 2012, 06:56:46 PM

We have two toggles in a convenient location on the right side of the dash. It works easily for me there. One thing I would recommend though is to use long handle toggles or extend the toggles you have if they are the short ones. It makes a nice difference to be able to just brush the switch on and off rather than grab hold of it.

Tony LEE · October 02, 2012, 07:24:25 PM

QuotePlease excuse my extreme ignorance: What is a "buffer switch"? Mine just has "On/Off"; well actually, it is in Spanish, so it says: "Encendido/Apagado".

Mex, have a read through http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?action=printpage;topic=3383.0 and you will end up being our resident expert

goutoe · October 03, 2012, 01:22:54 PM

Thanks for the help guys, I like the idea of leaving the switch on the dash, maybe I'll move it out from under the wheel and install a long handle toggle, easier to identify. thanks again.

John.

John316 · October 03, 2012, 04:14:05 PM

We have all of the above and then some.

Jake On/Off toggle. High/Med/Low three way switch. And the jakes are activated by touching the brake, released by the skinny pedal. I really that that approach. Never have to worry whether it is on or not. It always is.

Agree with Clifford on the High/Med/Low switch. Rarely use it. Only time would be coming down a grade that isn't steep enough for full jakes, but too much to drift.

I like always having the extra braking power there.