The Jacobs^® Bleeder Brake is a simplified version of our traditional engine brakes. When it is turned on, a piston extends to its full stroke and stays there, holding the exhaust valve open at a small, fixed distance throughout the entire four-stroke engine cycle. Since the Bleeder Brake only holds the exhaust valve open a fixed distance, it can be designed so that it does not put any load on the camshaft and most of the overhead components. This makes the Bleeder Brake an ideal technology for smaller diesel engines.

The Bleeder Brake can be used in combination with either a VGT or an exhaust brake to provide back pressure and optimize the retarding performance. The result of this combination is retarding performance comparable to a traditional compression release engine brake with a noise level similar to an exhaust brake.