Just traded my 99 F350 for the 04 with the 6.0 and in the manual it mentions a engine brake that works with the tow/haul on the trans anybody have any info on it my dealer's mech was on vacation and the manual only mentions it. This is a great truck I didn't think it could get better than my 7.3 but can't wait to get a few hundered miles on it and hook up my 33' fifth wheel and see what it can really do.

 

It says something about Exhaust brake ?!?!

Wow, I was told that's a NO-NO by th diesel tech @ my dealership? Not that I would use one since the tow-haul is so nice.........

Heck, I even use it around town as a slow-down feature when hitting red-lights or stop signs...

 

The Trans. when in tow/haul mode applies a band or clutch inside the trans to provide engine braking. Basically it allows the engine to help slow you down like a manual trans would when you back off the throttle.

 

It calls it an engine brake on page 137 of my manual here is the wording"Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when in D (overdrive) position. This engine braking will slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the
vehicle when descending a grade. I have always been told that a exhaust brake would void my warranty but my dealer told me Ford would have to prove it caused the problem before they could refuse warranty work.

 

OK...
I was thinking exhaust brake !?!
gotta limit those meds

you can do engine braking with any vehicle if you downshift...
but an exhaust brake is a no-no...

 

jdadamsjr, Do you mean the exhaust brake is a no-no on these new engines? Because the majority of guys in our area who own service trucks or small dumptrucks with smaller Cat engines or the mid-sized Cummins engines use exhaust brakes quite effectively. Several Cat engines which are too small for Jake brakes have particular exhaust brakes which are recommended if the owner chooses to invest in them.
Also, I know most of the logging trucks used on our mountains are running Jakes, electric or hydraulic retarders, AND exhaust brakes to deal with the steep grades. I guess I was always under the impression that an exhaust brake was just an addition to functionality rather than a potential hazard to these engines.

 

I too am waiting/looking for the answer to that question...

 

Hmmmmmmmmmm, for some reason, my "signature field" is not appearing....

 

I think there was a post about this not to long ago. Something about the variable pitch turbo not liking alot of backpressure created by an exhaust brake.
The engine brake you are talking about uses the trans and engine. The trans downshifts and locks the torque conveter. Then the turbo blades change pitch to create more drag. I had a Durajunk with the allison and the tow/haul mode doesnt even compare to fords tow haul mode.

 

You can't compare the 6.0 Power Stroke with Cat or Cummins medium duty engines. No, you shouldn't use an exhaust brake. Ford said the same thing with the 7.3.

 

(Not to argue but rebutting)
Interesting, because our latest (and we've always used exhaust brakes) 7.3 had one put on, and it has not resulted in any problems, even to the extent that when we took it in for some maintenance issues (turbo seal was found to be failing), there was not questions asked and no "cancelling of warranty". The issues necessitating taking the truck in were warranty related -- and covered with no challenges.

 

That's interesting, because Ford specifically stated that exhaust brakes were not to be used with the Power Stroke.

 

A engine brake shouldn't be used unless you really feel you have a need for it decending steep grades. The 6.0L and 7.3L really don't have heavy enough components for exhaust brakes (valves, springs, rocker arms) as well most other engines in this class don't either. You can install one, but it's a ticking time bomb that will eventually drop a valve. Running an exhaust brake is the most severe application you can put the valvetrain under (popping the valve open under high compression). Thats why Ford and Chevy use the tranny to brake. The big over the highway truck engines(Detroit Diesel S60, Cummins INX, cat 3406E..etc). get away with it beacause they run much heavier valvetrain components. But, they still have their problems with failures under braking condition. If you "must" run and engine exhaust brake make sure you keep the valve lash set properly.

Brian
engine research & development (valvetrain)

04 PSD 4x4 XLT SC wedgewood blue/silver

 

And that is the case with our Rancher

BTW: Thank you for the clarification/input--it does raise some issues over which we should be alert/concerned.