Strange Lever

[Jeff Miller]

It is a Jacobs EL retarder, standard FC equipment '83-'86 (except WLII).

On the '83 there is no on/off switch, except for the lever. In
positions 1-4 it should illuminate a "retarder" amber light on the
center (radio enclosure) console and the brake lights (good way to test
dinghy brake lights).

'84 there was an on/off switch added, but the amber light was
eliminated.

Trying to remember the manual, positions 1 and 2 can be used on long
grades continuously, I'm not sure on position 3, and position 4 is for
shorter cycles for decelerating. The owner's manual tells the on/off
times for the higher positions.

The brakes should never be used to control speed on a grade, only the
reaterder. If you need brakes you are going too fast, read the air-
brake mountain driving section of a CDL handbook.

There is no connection between the '83-'86 Jacobs EL retarder and the
brake or throttle in the FC. I always wanted to modify one to have
those modes, bought a newer 'Bird which had them so I lost interest.
Anyway, if you leave your retarder on, especially in positions 3 or 4,
you'll soon find out that you can't reach highway speeds on level
ground. Been there, done that.

- Jeff Miller
in Holland, MI


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" wrote:
>
> I have a Strange Lever mounted to the side of the shifter box. The
> lever goes into a small black box with numbers on the side. As the
> lever is pulled down, the numbers increase and the lever is
internally
> notched to stop on each of the numbers. Any clue?
>
> Scott Waldy
> '83FC35SB
> Boise, Idaho
>