A while ago the light bulb came on and I realized that 'pumping losses', a presumed shortcoming of the gasoline engine is what I call 'compression braking', which I find a very useful thing. Diesel guys have to add a kludge, Clessie Cummin's Jake brake, to get what I get for free.
Or is it free? I drive a carburated, 4-cycle four cylinder engine with manual transmission. No power steering/brakes/anything. I typically descend moderate hills (these days) with clutch in and key on (for safety and ignition of any gas from the idle jet). In the South hills of Bluegene, it's clutch out and floating the valves against a closed throttle.
A throttle plate doesn't close completely, does it? Nothing to be gained from being in neutral except pain, right?
In town I use a closed throttle to respond to lights and changes in traffic, while reserving the brake.
Educumate me, or argue amongst yourself; whichever.
