Usage:
*Optional equipment.
The 1693 BrakeSaver provides auxiliary braking to control speed during periods of deceleration or during decent of long grades. Governing the deceleration or downgrade speed of a vehicle through the use of the BrakeSaver results in greater safety and reduced wear on brake linings and brake drums. It also maintains preparedness of the service brakes for emergency or immediate stop requirements.
The Caterpillar-built BrakeSaver for 1693 Truck Engines is similar to a stalled fluid coupling, transforming the rolling energy of the vehicle-in-motion into heat which is dissipated through the engine cooling system.
Operating controls include a selector switch (usually located on the dash board) for selecting automatic manual control and the hand operated manual control lever (usually located on the steering column) for manually actuating the BrakeSaver.
NOTE: The 1693 BrakeSaver is not an emergency or quick stop brake. Allow a 2 to 3 second delay for full engagement and full disengagement. Use service brakes for quick stops.
CONTROL SELECTOR: With the control selector in the Automatic-Manual position the BrakeSaver will actuate automatically when the accelerator is released and the clutch is engaged (pedal up). The hand operated control has no effect on the BrakeSaver when automatically engaged, however, the system can be manually activated with the manual control lever if the automatic control circuit should fail.
When the selector switch is in the MANUAL-ONLY position, or in installations not equipped with the selector switch, the BrakeSaver can be actuated only by the hand operated manual control lever.
MANUAL CONTROL LEVER: The hand operated control lever, usually mounted on the steering column, provides a smooth modulated application of the Brake-Saver to apply any desirable retarding of the vehicle up to engine rating. This controlled modulation of actuating the BrakeSaver is especially desirable in slippery road conditions. Increasing or decreasing the BrakeSaver action is accomplished by moving the control lever.
NOTE: For maximum BrakeSaver effectiveness select proper gearing to keep the engine RPM as close to rated speed as possible.
The engine oil pressure gauge indicator will momentarily drop as the BrakeSaver is engaged. This drop in pressure is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
GAUGES: The BrakeSaver control air pressure gauge indicates air pressure at the BrakeSaver control valve. Air pressure should not exceed 42 psi (290 kPa).
If the indicator shows reduced or no pressure, stop the vehicle or operate at reduced speed. Control vehicle stopping with proper downshifting and service brakes until proper repairs are made.
The BrakeSaver oil temperature gauge indicator should register in the NORMAL (green) range. If indicator moves to the red range, move the BrakeSaver manual control lever to the OFF position and operate vehicle with service brakes only, or stop the vehicle and let the engine idle until the oil temperature registers in the NORMAL range.
NOTE: To prevent heat build-up, do not leave the BrakeSaver in operation when engine is idling while parked. Place the control selector switch in MANUAL position and the manual control lever in the OFF position.