View source for Engine & Compression Brake

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Engine braking is an alternative way of {{pll|Braking Overview|slowing down}} a {{pll|Rail Vehicle Types|motorized rail vehicle}}, without {{pll|Wheels & Brakes Damage|wearing}} and {{pll|Brake Shoes|overheating the brake shoes}}. It is a property of {{pll|Internal Combustion Engine|internal combustion engines}}, utilized as a type of {{pll|Dynamic Brake|dynamic braking}} on vehicles with a {{pll|Mechanical Transmission|diesel-mechanical powertrain}}.

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Disengaging {{pll|Throttle|throttle}} of an engine naturally leads it to drop RPM. However, because the {{pll|Mechanical Transmission|mechanical transmission}} has such a firm link between the engine and the wheels, slowing down of the engine causes the vehicle to slow down too, if the {{pll|Reverser|reverser}} is set in the direction of travel. Selecting a gear where RPM is high gets the most out of an engine brake, and if a train is light enough it will slow down from mere disengagement of the throttle.

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Some diesel-mechanical vehicles also come equipped with a compression brake. Typically operated by a lever, this brake functions by modifying the engine exhaust process in a way that creates extra load on the engine, causing it to slow down quicker than it would normally. This supplements the effect of the engine brake.

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Disengaged engines exert braking force on the transmission, which may contribute to the {{pll|Powertrain Overheating|warming up of the transmission hydraulic fluid}}.

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Monitoring both the transmission fluid temperature, as well as the engine RPM, when using any form of engine braking, is crucial to ensure {{pll|Mechanical Powertrain Damage|safe operation}}.

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Engine and compression braking, featured only on some motorized vehicles, does not provide a very powerful braking force for large trains, but it can slow them down over time if used {{pll|Driving Efficiency|tactfully}}. The lower the RPM, the weaker the braking force, and at low enough speeds it can practically have no effect. To bring a vehicle to a complete halt, use {{pll|Braking Overview|braking methods}} that rely on brake shoes.

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To operate the throttle, reverser and gearbox again, disengage the compression brake.
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[[Category:Diesel-Mechanical|2]]