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Solution for a Better Jake Brake Switch
I posted a thread late last year looking to possibly modify a retarder lever to control a 2 stage Jake Brake. Several of the replies suggested a lever type rocker switch would be a more sensible solution.
Here is that thread if you are interested: Original Post
I stumbled across a Freightliner switch that seemed to be a good start. Freightliner Part #A06-30769-001.
It is an Eaton Switch, just like all the other Prevost-supplied rockers on my dash. When it arrived I found it only had 9 terminals instead of 10, and not surprisingly the switching action was not the same.
But.. as it turns out, these switches are modular. There are 3 parts to the assembly:
1. The black switch body and handle
2. Internal illumination block
3. The white contact block
(See Switch Components Below)
It was a simple matter to take the contact block off my original switch and put it on the Freightliner switch body and handle. I also relocated it from the middle of the row of rockers to the farthest right switch position. That combination makes it much easier for me to lay my hand on and operate.
The one caveat I would add is I believe the Freightliner switch uses middle as the off position and HIGH and LOW as up and down, respectively. In my installation the switch operated just like the original rocker: DOWN is OFF, MIDDLE is LOW and up is HIGH.
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2 Replies
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Since you’ve become the Jake Brake expert now, maybe you can answer a question I’ve got about Jake’s on a Prevost.
I’ve been told that on a Series 60 there are three levels of Jake: Small, Medium, and Whoa Nellie! But Prevost only allows us to use Small and Medium. I was told by a manager at American Fleet that this limitation stems from the Entertainer world because when “Whoa Nellie” (highest setting, probably all six cylinders?) was invoked that the sound would toss “the Star” right out of bed. So in response Prevost programs the ECM (??) for only Small (two cylinders?) and Medium (four cylinders?).
Are you able to confirm or refute what I was told? Thanks!
I like to see guys digging for a better mouse-trap!
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Tossing the Star out of bed, pleeeasse. That should be a supply for Jon’s garden.
Bill Jensen told me 2 settings, low is 4 cylinders and high is 6 cylinders. I’ve never driven a Prevost, SOB coach or big truck with a Jake that would toss anyone around let alone spill your coffee.
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