Need Jake Brake switches

pabusnut · April 22, 2015, 06:52:02 PM

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

Lin · April 22, 2015, 09:11:54 PM

Opps, Yes, it is corrected to read Don F!

PP · April 23, 2015, 01:07:52 PM

Quote from: eagle19952 on April 22, 2015, 04:07:52 PM
Auto or Std transmissions.. just curious ?

Auto-754
Will

belfert · April 23, 2015, 08:14:43 PM

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.

PP · April 24, 2015, 01:50:43 PM

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

eagle19952 · April 25, 2015, 09:20:31 AM

I never could understand why people use Jakes on flat ground...

Lin · 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.

PP · April 25, 2015, 11:23:18 AM

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)

bevans6 · April 25, 2015, 11:40:22 AM

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

pabusnut · April 25, 2015, 05:09:34 PM

Clifford,

The switch arrived today in the USPS. The check will be in the USPS Monday morning.

Many Thanks!

Steve Toomey
PAbusnut

Barn Owl · April 27, 2015, 06:35:03 PM

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.

pabusnut · June 05, 2015, 09:31:17 AM

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!

Steve Toomey
PAbusnut