How does
an exhaust brake do what it does?
In effect, an exhaust brakes turns the diesel engine into a big compressor.
In contrast to the gasoline engine which restricts air intake, the exhaust
brake restricts exhaust outflow to create pressure. And with diesel
engines creating 200+ horsepower, regulating back pressure can provide
powerful braking assistance for the diesel owner.
On most downhill
grades exhaust brakes engage automatically to help slow the vehicle’s
momentum. This permits the diesel-powered pickup or motorhome to stop
quicker. Exhaust brakes also save wear and tear on the wheel brakes.
Finally, and most importantly, safety is increased and the butterflies
in the driver’s stomach go back to sleep and the driver is truly in
control of his rig.
Butterfly Open |
Butterfly Closed |
The "Super
Duty" D-Celerator
U.S. Gear’s "Super Duty" model also uses a butterfly to create back
pressure. But unlike other exhaust brakes, the "Super Duty" D-Celerator
has a patented turbo-inspired waste gate to manipulate the amount of
pressure built up in the engine. This means that when the butterfly
is closed, it is 100% closed with no exhaust leakage because there are
no orifices (holes) in the butterfly. Remember, the only reason for
the orifices in other exhaust brakes is to keep you from destroying
your engine by creating excess pressure at higher RPM. Since the "Super
Duty" model has a waste-gate bypass, back pressure is bled off only
when necessary.
The waste-gate
valve spring is pre-set at the factory to open only as often and as
much as necessary to avoid damage to your specific diesel engine.
Better performance
at lower RPM
The unique design of the "Super Duty" D-Celerator allows it to build
pressure very quickly at lower RPMs. Because of the waste-gate you can
receive the benefit of maximum back pressure almost all the time without
excess pressure. And what is the benefit? – additional braking assistance
you can feel in the seat of your pants almost immediately after the
exhaust brake is engaged.
Since most
diesel owners ideally run at 1,500 – 2,000 RPMs, the "Super Duty" model
is the clear winner in working with the engine to provide maximum braking
performance.
