Operating Guidelines - BD Diesel Performance 1037135 Installation Manual

8 February 2021 BD Universal Remote Mount Vacuum Brake 17

Operating Guidelines

Thank you for taking interest in the BD Engine Exhaust Brake. As a driver, you
probably already know the need for extra braking power that your vehicle requires on
the hills and long grades. With loads being towed behind you, the extra push when
slowing down or maintaining speed on downward grades can prove to be a great
strain on your vehicles chassis's braking system, even to the point of "burn-up". These
guidelines were designed to offer you a better understanding of the benefits of
exhaust brakes and are partly based upon material developed by the U.S. Department
of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The emphasis on today's vehicles is to give the consumer a product that can give
them usable power with fuel efficiency. But, in the transition, the vehicles have lost
their natural braking power, making it easier for the vehicle to continue to roll and
harder to stop. Of course, this gets more noticeable with the increase of weight, on
or behind the vehicle. This is where an exhaust brake becomes a useful tool for
increasing the driveline drag of the vehicle without the use of the chassis's brakes. A
tool, which with maximum or even occasional use can reduce wear on chassis'
braking parts and at the same time increase safety.
The BD Exhaust Brake can be used to help maintain a controlled vehicle speed on a
downward grade, as well as slowing the vehicle down for such times as turns or exit
ramps, without you using your chassis's brakes. The exhaust brake cannot be used
as a parking brake or will not bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
By using a BD Exhaust Brake, the life and effectiveness of your chassis's brakes will
increase. This is because of the decreased use of the chassis's brakes in situations
like hills, the wear factor is reduced and there is less opportunity for your chassis's
brakes to heat up which would reduce the efficiency.
When you ride your chassis's brakes, make hard stops or have poorly adjusted
brakes, this creates high temperatures and as your brakes get hotter, the more
chance there is for fade or failure.
When the toggle switch is turned to the "On" position, the valve is activated every time
the driver takes their foot off of the throttle pedal. When the driver puts pressure back
on the throttle pedal, the throttle switch is deactivated and the valve opens again.
Exhaust brakes are designed to operate with the throttle at idle, not to be used in
conjunction with cruise controls, and not designed to aid in gear shifting. Such cases
could cause damage to engine and/or the exhaust brake.
Incorporated with the BD Exhaust Brake, there is a pressure regulating system that
will control the created backpressure. If the backpressure reaches the set limit, the
exhaust valve will open slightly to relieve the excess pressure.
BD Engine Brake Inc.
1-800-887-5030 | https://www.bddiesel.com