The exhaust brake that is installed on our CTD's is different than the engine brake.
There are a few locations that state 'No unmuffled exhaust brake' ... oh ok that one I'm in violation of but they can
that ticket. Most of those laws are written with conditions for commercial only. So the chance of actually getting stuck w/ a ticket is pretty slim.
Some info from Jacobs Vehicle System:
QUESTION:
I've seen signs posted that say "No Jake Brakes", what does this mean?
ANSWER:
Jake BrakeŽ is a registered trademark of Jacobs Vehicle SystemsTM. The term "Jake Brake" is sometimes incorrectly used to refer to compression release type engine brakes in general. The term correctly refers to all of Jacobs Vehicle Systems retarding products including Jacobs Exhaust Brakes and Jacobs Driveline Brakes as well as Jacobs Engine Brakes. Engine brakes are used extensively on heavy-duty trucks, with diesel engines over 10.0L displacement. When operating it produces a distinctive staccato sound.
When an engine brake is used on a vehicle with a poorly muffled or un-muffled engine exhaust (using straight pipes for example), the sound can be offensive, which is what prompted the sign you saw. You were probably driving through a residential area that is adjacent to the highway. The real problem here is that there are a few trucks that are illegally modified or have defective exhaust systems that has triggered the community's reaction. Most high profile, professional fleets adequately maintain their trucks and equip them with OE quality mufflers to reduce the noise for both the driver and the communities they drive through.
The sign you saw might have unfairly used our trademark, making it brand specific. The term "Jake Brake" also refers to our nearly silent exhaust brakes and driveline brakes, so these signs don't make sense for all Jake Brakes, and don't target the root cause of the problem, which is the illegal exhaust systems some truckers chose to configure their vehicle with.
We would like to know where these "Brand Specific" signs are posted. If you've seen one, please let us know what Route number, City/Town and State you saw the sign by sending an E-mail to:
[email protected]. Digital photos are great too!
Thanks!
Info on Noise concerns:
