How the Bleeder Brake works

When the bleeder brake is turned on, a piston extends to its full stroke and stays there, holding the exhaust valve open a small, fixed distance throughout the entire four-stroke engine cycle. Since the bleeder brake only holds the exhaust valve open a fixed distance, it is designed to not put any load on the camshaft and most of the overhead components.

• The exhaust valve is held open throughout all four strokes of the engine cycle.
• The compressed air “bleeds” out through the slightly opened exhaust valve during the entire compression stroke.
• The engine pumps by pushing against the valve restriction and back pressure.
• Bleeding off compressed air prevents the return of energy to the piston, which slows the vehicle down.
  

Bleeder Brakes can also be used in combination with a backpressure mechanism such as an exhaust brake or variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) for maximum braking performance.