Telma Retarder operation question

[Grumpy]

Celebrating a year of ownership with some questions, now that I know more about what I don't know...

My Telma retarder seems to work very well, and certainly makes a big difference in braking, both when triggered by normal braking with the switch on, and when I use the lever to the left of the steering column. I have noticed, however, that it reaches maximum braking power with the lever only 2/3rds of the way down, with no additional braking if I push the lever further down. In addition, the retarder will slow the Bird down to 10 mph or so without the brake, but doesn't seem to be effective for slower speeds, hence needing the brake to come to a complete stop.

Is this normal behavior for the Telma retarder? If not, is there an adjustment that I can/should make? Thanks in advance...

[Randy Dupree]

Is the Allison retarder called a Telma retarder?

[Grumpy]

An example of what I don't know? In the manual, it's called an Allison retarder. I have seen references on this site to the Telma retarder, and thought that it was the same (referring to the electromagnetic retarder). Is there a difference?

[Randy Dupree]

The electric retarder is on the FC's.
You have an allsion retarder,of which theres 2 different types,but i think only one of those was ever used in a Bird.
I have not read the manual in years,but i don't think your retarder will work after the torque converter unlocks,which will be about 10mph,i suspect.

[Grumpy]

Makes sense, given my experience with it. Thanks for the clarification on the Allison Retarder.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Randy Dupree

The electric retarder is on the FC's.
You have an allsion retarder,of which theres 2 different types,but i think only one of those was ever used in a Bird.
I have not read the manual in years,but i don't think your retarder will work after the torque converter unlocks,which will be about 10mph,i suspect.

Does this mean that the retarder is not effective in 1st or 2nd gear? I didn't think the torque converter locked in until 3rd gear?

[Randy Dupree]

I think your correct,it may have some braking down in the lower gears,but like i said its been years.
Shane may be your best source of info and user input.
My old 6V92 bus had a Jake brake.
My 93 had a retarder,but that was long ago.

[Grumpy]

Thanks! A Jake Brake is definitely on my list, but I still have a long list ahead of it... This is a project bus, but I have gotten to the point where it's used every month now, so that part's good!