Use of 3 position Jake?

[plyons]

Good afternoon!

I need to drive a 1995 MCI DL3 with a Jake that looks like it has 3 positions.  I've only used a Jake with a single on/off switch.  Would someone please share the way to use the 3 position Jake?   The engine itself is a Detroit Series 60. 

Kind Regards and Thank you!
Phil

[lostagain]

It is off, low, and high. Put it on high. It you feel it is too much, push the accelerator a little to disengage it, or put it on low. Depends on conditions I guess. You get a feel for it after a while.

JC

[muldoonman]

Just toggle mine to high when I need it to keep the brake lights from flashing everytime they come on. Would just leave them on but these little towns around here in Texas have a lot of "No Engine Brake" signs. Found out some LEO's mean it in the Hill Country around here.

[plyons]

Thank you - responses greatly appreciated!!  Driving Colorado tomorrow a.m. Early.  Kind regards, Phil

[PP]

Make sure your buffer switch is working before you use the accelerator pedal to disengage the Jakes. I have to manually turn mine off each time or I need to replace the $700.00 dollar Hi/Lo Buffer switch before it will kick off on acceleration. Used to work just fine. You don't want to know what happens when the Jake stays on and you're stepping down on the GO pedal-it can be a bad scenario.
Will

[windtrader]

Make sure your buffer switch is working before you use the accelerator pedal to disengage the Jakes. I have to manually turn mine off each time or I need to replace the $700.00 dollar Hi/Lo Buffer switch before it will kick off on acceleration. Used to work just fine. You don't want to know what happens when the Jake stays on and you're stepping down on the GO pedal-it can be a bad scenario.
Will

All ears! What is the proper procedure for engaging and disengaging Jakes? I was unaware there is a recommended procedure to minimize stress and damage.

[Lin]

Make sure your buffer switch is working before you use the accelerator pedal to disengage the Jakes. I have to manually turn mine off each time or I need to replace the $700.00 dollar Hi/Lo Buffer switch before it will kick off on acceleration. Used to work just fine. You don't want to know what happens when the Jake stays on and you're stepping down on the GO pedal-it can be a bad scenario.
Will

The buffer switch is only that expensive if you want to still have high idle.  One that will work fine for your Jakes but forfeits high idle is very reasonable.

[wildbob24]

The buffer switch won't be a factor in Pylon's case. His 60 series will be a DDEC engine and the Jakes will be controlled by the ECM. No mechanical governor and no buffer switch.

Bob

[Lin]

The buffer switch won't be a factor in Pylon's case. His 60 series will be a DDEC engine and the Jakes will be controlled by the ECM. No mechanical governor and no buffer switch.

Bob

Right, but Will could get a cheap buffer switch if he were willing to sacrifice high idle.  That's what we and several others have done. I can't say that I have missed having high idle since I try not to idle much at all.