How often did u use ur Jake Brake ?

this is what I do also

 

my freind who has drivin for 30 plus years told me that i should not use it because it will '' stretch the valves" ha ha what a load of cra%!

 

When I started out "late 70's" few rigs even had them. My F-700 COE Mack had a "Dynatard" but it did not work most of the time I was in that truck

Fast forward to today.. My Jake is "always on" and nearly always used unless as was posted elsewhere there is a no jake ordinance or other common sense reason for not using it, (residential etc.). otherwise every time I lift my right foot I'm Jakin' About the only time I use service brakes are to sit still at a stoplight etc. Or the hill is too steep and the gear selection is too high and there are "Full Growns" in the area

As for switch placement my daily ride is a 2009 Pete 379, the Jake switches "2" are on the dash down low beside the radio the left is "on/off" the right is "stage 1,2, or 3" The placement of those seemed less than optimal as most switches on the thing are all down low and required me to look down "eyes off road" to find them until I spent enough seat time in the thing to know where to reach and drive by braille

Maybe it's designed for all the younger?? guys I see sitting on the floor while driving .. That would put the switches nearer eye level

 

Now THAT's funny. I used to laugh at all the "dudes" driving their Pete's with the seat right on the floor because of how ridiculous they look. Then when I bought my 379, it had a drop visor and I found that, too see, I had to drive with the seat right on the floor. Now, even when I'm driving one of my western stars, I prefer to have the seat set right on the floor. It's just more comfortable. My wife now laughs at me and always says I look like a 'tard when I pull in the driveway and I know exactly what she means but I don't really care how I look or what anyone thinks, I just like it that way. Shoulda never bought that Pete, I was quit happy with the seat on the high side before

 

I like the jake in various situations. For instance, I'll use it in moderately heavy traffic to help me keep a good following distance without having to hit the service brakes. It's definitely on when I'm going down a significant grade where I've already dropped a gear or two. It gives a little bit of extra whoaaaaaa without making the drivers behind me think (because they would see my brakes lights) I've got some reason to hit the service brakes.

 

some interesting answers on here....i use mine all the time (except parking lots, ramps where trucks are parked and may be sleeping and ice)....ALWAYS down a mountain...if you are in the right gear and use your jake...usually dont have to touch your brakes...the W9 we owned had straights....ever try to run team with straights????? LOL

 

Whenever I lift my foot.

 

Someone said Pete warranty is void if you put air in the seat???

 

here you can see comparison of standard engine brake high power engine brake and retarder

 

and yes this is only water retarder real hydraulic get 90% more power