Does Ford F-250 Have An Exhaust Brake? (Let’s See)
A popular SUV by the Ford company is the Ford F250. This ford super-duty truck spends the better part of the day carrying a truck of loads.
This duty means it needs all the help it can get to perform optimally continually.
One of the components of a car, especially a diesel engine automobile, is the exhaust brake. It is a crucial component in this type of vehicle.
Hence, “does the Ford F250 have an exhaust brake?”
You have an exhaust brake as part of your vehicle components when you get one of the newer Ford F250 series. This exhaust brake addition makes driving at certain speeds easier. It also ensures security and helps improve the car’s performance. But, first, let’s discuss how the exhaust brakes to depth.
What is an Exhaust Brake?
The word brake gives you an idea of what this is all about. Nevertheless, all truck users need to understand the specific model of an exhaust brake, its role, and its operating system.
An exhaust brake is more of a system than just a straightforward action.
It is an installation in heavy-duty trucks like your Ford F250 that aids in decelerating your vehicle.
It can also bring the car to a complete halt with the aid of the wheel brake if this becomes necessary.
While the function of the two brakes might seem similar, these systems are quite different from the wheel brake. Exhaust brake, for one, is mainly found in diesel engines.
So you know the type of fuel you’re dealing with when you hear the exhaust brake engine.
An exhaust brake is a system that blocks the release of gasses from the exhaust pipe by closing down the path of this emission. What is the result?
Pressure builds in the manifold of this exhaust and, subsequently, in the cylinder. The result is the engine working in reverse, so in place of acceleration, you have deceleration.
The car eventually comes to a halt.
Many automobile experts will refer to exhaust brakes as supplementary brakes. This reference is because an exhaust brake is not a replacement for the traditional brakes at the wheel.
However, it is available to ease the load on the brake.
#1. Exhaust Brake in Diesel Engines
There is a simple reason why the exhaust brake is part of the diesel engine component. It is not a part of a gasoline engine of the same vehicle type. What is that?
The wheel brake system in gasoline engines is more effective at stopping vehicles when compared to diesel engines. This effectiveness is a result of the differences in engine operation.
One of them is the use of throttle valve closure. The closure builds a vacuum and enough functional space for the engine to operate while braking.
This throttle valve is a part of the gas engine system, and it aids in practical brake application.
The same cannot be said of a Ford diesel power stroke engine because it does not have the exact working mechanism.
As a result, the wheel brake system takes longer to build enough pressure to stop the car.
Do not forget that diesel engine vehicles like this are super-duty Fords. More load means the engine needs more power to halt the vehicle. This need makes the exhaust brake a genius addition.
The combined effort from the wheel brake and the exhaust brake becomes enough for your SUVs to stop as when due. A Genius invention indeed.
It also explains why some call it a supplementary brake.
#2. Benefits of the Exhaust Brake System
The exhaust brake system aids the wheel brake system by reducing its load. This auxiliary input helps to minimize wear and tear on the wheel brake. The result?
You can use the wheel brake for more extended periods, which could amount to years. In addition, less frequent change to the brake pads means less frequent spending on maintenance.
The exhaust brake also aids in driving. It does this by giving you control through regulated speed. Lower brake temperature is also an added advantage for your engine and truck.
How does the Ford Exhaust Brake Work?
Super duty like Ford F250 have turbochargers in the engines. You find the exhaust brake at the discharge port of this turbo inside the exhaust pipe.
The ford exhaust brake works by creating backpressure with the aid of a valve (not a throttle valve). The pressure builds up back to the Ford Powerstroke engine cylinder.
The resulting tension in the cylinder prevents the piston’s upstroke movements leading to the Ford decelerating.
Ford exhaust brakes can generate between 50 to 60 psi of braking pressure. A gasoline engine in this condition will yield at most 12 psi of pressure.
The difference is why the Ford F250 is suitable for heavy operations. Little wonder, the truck is classified as one of Ford’s super-duty cars.
The Ford Powerstroke is a powerful engine that ensures top performance on all roads, terrains, and weather. However, the most endearing trait of this engine is its reliability.
It can generate enough pressure when it engages the exhaust brake system.
This powerful engine can climb upslope adequately even when carrying maximum capacity or when you connect a heavy payload to it.
It might be challenging to maintain a safe and controllable speed when driving down the slope. This condition is where the effective ford exhaust brake comes into the fold.
The brake system builds pressure to prevent acceleration due to a downward slope.
What Year Did Ford Start Using the Exhaust Brake?
2011 was a great year for Ford model engine users worldwide as Ford introduced the newly improved 6.7 Powerstroke engine.
This engine had a company-built exhaust brake system. While older models have various braking systems, they do not have a separate exhaust brake system.
In 2013, Ford announced a new upgrade that most likely intrigued many people.
That announcement stated that the 2015 models of Ford super duty vehicles would experience an upgrade in the engine exhaust brake system.
The 2015 models have significant changes and upgrades to increase their performance.
One of such changes included the replacement of the two turbochargers with a more effective and bigger single option.
In addition, this change gives room for an advanced exhaust brake system.
It has been a joyous journey for Ford truck users since then.
Ford Exhaust Brake Settings?
To activate this supplementary system, all you need is the push of a button, literally. First, you find the button on the instrument panel.
When you push the button, a light comes on in the cluster to confirm that the system is active.
Next, put your feet off the accelerator once you arrive at a part of the road where you need to engage the brake. Feet removal automatically engages the exhaust brake.
Suppose the goal is to maintain a slow and steady pace. The exhaust brake helps you achieve this.
However, if the goal is to bring your Ford super-duty vehicle to a complete stop, you need to engage the wheel brake.
The exhaust brake will only slow down; it won’t stop your car.
Once you press the button and keep the foot off the accelerator, the brake remembers your vehicle speed and restores it automatically.
While this system is impressive, you need to note a simple point. Using the engine exhaust braking on a slippery road is not advisable.
You should avoid doing that, which can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
Is an Exhaust Brake the Same as a Jake Brake?
We have discussed the exhaust brake and its mode of operation. One of those modes includes pressure due to blockage and compression.
Does that mean it is the same as the Jake brake? The simple answer is no.
The Jake brake works using a different model. First, it releases compressed in the cylinder. This air, in turn, prevents the action of the cylinder pistons and thereby creates a braking power.
The Jake brake is more powerful than the exhaust brake. However, with such power output comes a lot of noise.
This noise is why many do not prefer this type of braking system.
You find the exhaust brake at the rear end. It works the backpressure to the cylinder while the jake brake is inside the cylinder. They are not the same.
Diesel Engine Exhaust Braking | Ford How-To | Ford
Summary
Ford super duty trucks such as the F250 models have enough options to help you drive with safety protocols while carrying your payloads along rugged terrains.
The exhaust brake system provides additional braking power to help you achieve a smooth experience. Ford F250 assures users afforded security and control. Enjoy!
