The Jacobs Engine Brake^® is an engine retarder that uses the engine to aid in slowing and controlling the vehicle. When activated, the engine brake alters the operation of the engine’s exhaust valves so that the engine works as a power-absorbing air compressor. This provides a retarding, or slowing, action to the vehicle’s drive wheels, enabling you to have improved vehicle control without using the service brakes. This conservation results in reduced service brake maintenance, shorter trip times, and lower total cost of ownership.

When activated, when the engine is not fueling:

• The Jacobs Compression Release Brake opens the exhaust valves near the top of the compression stroke
   
• With the valves open, highly compressed air is released through the exhaust system
   
• The vehicle energy is used to push the engine to compress the air, but little energy is returned to the piston
   
• As the cycle repeats, the energy of the truck’s forward motion is dissipated, causing the truck to slow down

Lost Motion technology provides a cost-effective solution for engines where packaging is restricted. It is ideal for medium- and heavy-duty applications where the overhead cannot accommodate a dedicated cam braking system.