Jacobs Electric Retarder

[Gary Miller]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Peggy & Ed McStay"
wrote:
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gary Miller"
> wrote:
> >
> > Ed and Peggy,
> >
> > I haven't had to work on the relay box, but if I were in a state
of
> > needing something repaired on it and unable to find an original
> part,
> > I'd remove it and take it to a generator shop. I believe the
> retarder
> > is basically made out of generator parts.
> >
> > Out of curiosity, how do you suspect this happened?
> >
> > Gary Miller
> > 83 FC 33 - For Sale
> > Milwaukee area
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Peggy & Ed McStay"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > i have been working on my retarder - have found that the relay
> box
> > > under the bus has a burned relay in it. i now need to find
> someone
> > that
> > > can rebuild the relay box or i will have to buy a new one. i
have
> a
> > > call in to bb but no reply yet.{i know they are busy}. my
> question is
> > > does anyone know where to get the relay box worked on or where
i
> can
> > > get a new one.
> > >
> > > ed and peggy
> > > 83FCRB 35FT.
> > > "lonesome dove"
> > > Lake Charles,La.
> > >
> >
>
>
>
> Gary Miller-----
> thanks for the reply. i know that i didn't return the lever to the
o
> position. with that said a lot of heat built up in the relay box
and
> melted the first relay. it was a bad deal but on the 83 they did
not
> have a on/off switch,only had a light on the dash to tell you when
it
> was on. you can bet your next pay check that when i get this thing
> repaired and back in it will have a good on/off switch and a small
> alarm that will sound when its on. thanks again for your reply.
>

Ahh yesss. I've done that one.

Our maiden voyage with the 'bird. We were about a mile out of the
East entrance of Yellowstone. The kids were all excited (I was too),
and in the excitement I had left the retarder on after a descent. I
couldn't figure out why we were having so much trouble climbing the
grade to the entrance. Fortunately, it was only briefly, but long
enough to really lose a lot of energy that would have helped the
climb.

On one of Jeff's remodels he installed a switch under the accelerator
pedal to shut off the retarder. It's a complicated retrofit.

I would think a delayed chime of some sort would be good. You don't
want it chiming every time you use it. Or perhaps a second light
closer to the dashboard so you notice it sooner.

Gary Miller
83 FC 33 - For Sale
Milwaukee area