Jake Brake Install

[Geoff]

I still think a dedicated third, centered stop light strip is the best route if you want to warn other upcoming traffic that you have your Jake's on.  Activating the regular brake lights is overkill; using your 4-ways is for slow speed climbing hills, not going down them; and my center light is not illegal. 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/17-quot-High-Power-40LED-Red-Trailer-Truck-RV-Stop-Tail-Rear-Brake-Turn-ID-Light-Bar-/222651952160?txnId=2229079231012

[luvrbus]

Yep I think if you want a light the 3rd light is the way to go lol but Geoff 4 ways are slow vehicle coming or going not just up.I am trying to help another guy where they didn't use a buffer switch with the fast idle and his system works off the transmission presuure so many ways to wire a Jake 

[windtrader]

Looking at EV that have regenerative braking, from Prius to leaf to tesla, rear brake lights may light up depending on the conditions. For example, Prius and Leaf have somewhat weak regen capability so the vehicle is not slowed significantly when the regen is working thus no rear brake light.

The Tesla has far stronger braking capability and does enable rear brake lights depending on the degree of braking generated by the regen. Following is a quote that describes it better.


"Unless the Model 3 is very different, Tesla vehicles automatically turn on brake lights when regenerative braking passes a certain threshold of deceleration. In practice, this seems to happen on my Model S when I’m slowing from moderate speeds (40 mph ish?) to about 4 mph. Below 4 mph, there is no regen braking. If I’m going at highway speeds, I don’t usually see the brake lights come on from regen, as the actual decrease in my speed is more gradual and doesn’t seem to reach the car’s threshold."

Personally, it seems excessive for rear brake lights to be connected to the Jakes.

[richard5933]

Easy-peezy...

All we need is to install a decelerometer and connect it into the brake light circuit. Wouldn't matter the reason, as long as we're slowing down at a rate above the setpoint the lights come one. No problem.

[luvrbus]

LOL now we pole vaulting over a piss ant bed 

[Geoff]

Easy-peezy... Up

All we need is to install a decelerometer and connect it into the brake light circuit. Wouldn't matter the reason, as long as we're slowing down at a rate above the setpoint the lights come one. No problem.

That works for more than Jakes!  Just think if you fell asleep and hit an overpass abutment, your brake lights would come on even if you were dead!

[Dave5Cs]

Yep but you wouldn't know it........

[buswarrior]

Whatever you do, the point is alerting the following driver.

4 miles of steady downhill brake lights on does NOT make friends...

And as you round the next bend, traffic is stopped, so you have to go deep into the service brakes... and nothing on the rear changes it's display...

In the transit/regional market, it is popular to have the retarder/jake activate a separate set of amber lights when engaged, and the brake lights stay reserved for service brake display.

Unorthodox lighting may be used against you by a savvy lawyer.

Stick to what is common?

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[Geoff]

Yep but you wouldn't know it........

Why would you need to know?  This is all about the traffic behind you!  A last saving grace might give you the ticket to heaven after a dubious life.

[Bill Gerrie]

For many years I have had a set of amber lights come on when the Jake is working. I like the idea that there is some kind of warning that I am slowing. If I apply the service brake of course the brake lights come on.

[windtrader]

4 miles of steady downhill brake lights on does NOT make friends...And as you round the next bend, traffic is stopped, so you have to go deep into the service brakes... and nothing on the rear changes it's display...

@bw - Perfect logic why not to connect Jakes to rear brakes. Not too smart to void the primary purpose of a rear brake light!


Adding the decelerate detection logic to a Jake-rear brake light would only light up when bus was truly slowing down.

[richard5933]

Jake install is complete and has been tested. I wasn't there for the road test, but the mechanic tells me that I'll be impressed. A few delays along the way, but it basically went as planned. As close to the book as possible, other than the brake lights.

[luvrbus]

yep do it by the book is my way also,amazing that engine still has the original old style heads 

[richard5933]

yep do it by the book is my way also,amazing that engine still has the original old style heads

I'd guess it is the first time the valve covers have been removed.

[luvrbus]

!974 was the last year those heads were used and at a rebuild at Detroit they tossed those and replaced with the newer style lol 45 years of service is not too shabby