Community Forums

Janet&Sid · 02-28-2012, 09:35 AM

On the 2004 Alpine, what is the correct name for the 2 setting engine brake that was installed at the factory?
Jake Brake
Compression Brake
Exhaust Brake
The reason I am asking is that Good Sam's is refusing to cover exhaust brake related repairs and I was wondering if I have a compression engine brake instead of an exhaust brake.

bcbowers · 02-28-2012, 10:01 AM

We have the following engine brake per the WRV brochure:

Cummins

® 8.9 ISL 400 hp, 1,200 ft/lbs torque

w/Jacobs® Compression Brake

We always refer to it as a 2-speed engine brake. The Rocky Mountain Cummins shop also referred to it as a 2-speed engine brake.

Jim A · 02-28-2012, 10:26 AM

IIRC, in '03 and I think maybe early '04's the 350 HP ISC engine was still the standard, with the 400 HP ISL an option. (Which everyone took and at some point it became the standard engine.) The 350 had an exhaust brake, and the 400 had the compression brake.

Janet&Sid · 02-28-2012, 10:35 AM

Thank you Bob

Janet&Sid · 02-28-2012, 10:36 AM

Thank you Jim

Old Scout · 02-28-2012, 10:40 AM

NOPE--even our very early 03 [built Feb 02] is a 400 with a "jake"--only difference is that the early 400s were wired for only one-stage Vs the two stages that newer coaches are familiar with.....

Algoma · 02-28-2012, 03:30 PM

If you check the brochures on the Tech. Pubs. website the standard engine for '04 was the ISC with a PAC exhaust brake. But if you have a 2 position switch it is a Jake/compression brake as the PAC brake only has one position. Just for interest there are some towns that prohibit the use of "engine brakes" which I guess means you are OK if you have an exhaust brake.

Mr_D · 02-28-2012, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algoma

Just for interest there are some towns that prohibit the use of "engine brakes" which I guess means you are OK if you have an exhaust brake.

The engine brake you have is muffled and usually not noticeable when used. The ones they mean are the older, unmuffled ones that are really loud. I wouldn't worry about it.

Dave Fernandez · 02-28-2012, 05:58 PM

Just for your information the Cummins ISC engine does not have a Jake Brake (Engine Brake) they only came with an exhaust brake.

The ISL engines could be equipped the either the exhaust brake or the engine brake. Some ISL 370’s have an exhaust brake. I think all of the 400/425 are equipped with an engine brake.

Old Scout · 02-29-2012, 10:20 AM

Realize this isnt very "statistically significant" but in 9 years of Alpine ownership, I have never met an 03 or 04 owner with a 350 and PAC brake. The 400 must have been a pretty popular option???????

OK--now that I am in print on this issue--let me hear from all the 03/04 owners with 350s--it will serve me right!

Algoma · 02-29-2012, 11:39 AM

Just to stir things up here is one signature from an earlier post on this forum:

"Jim... '03 38' FDTS, ISC 350 Cummins
'00 Saturn S/W w/Falcon 2500 tow unit.

Douglas, Georgia "

rdownward · 02-29-2012, 03:20 PM

I have the ISC 350 in my '03. The literature that came with it says I have a 2 speed "engine" brake.

Algoma · 03-02-2012, 05:38 PM

Roger, the ISC engine does not have an engine brake, it is only available on the ISL engine. If you have a 2 position switch maybe you have an ISL engine and never knew it.

rdownward · 03-03-2012, 07:21 AM

Hmmm....... I definitely have a 2 speed engine brake. I guess I'll have to do some checking to see if I have the ISL engine. Other than verifying by serial number, is there any other way to determine which engine it is?