Re: 498 and 488 approaching Cumbres with the1963 RMRRC excursion

Casey Akin Wrote:
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> What would be the dangers of just leaving the
> drifting throttle open?
>
> Casey

Use of the drifting throttle for compression braking causes high cylinder pressures/temperatures and can cause loss of cylinder lubrication. Periodically drifting and using the brakes for a while allows the cylinders to cool and maintains lubrication. I have heard tales of engineers in the Grande days bringing engines all the way down with the drifting throttle without any cooling breaks with the oil and carbon caked on the cylinders on fire. I have never seen that myself but they do get very hot.