ouchman

Yeah, I know about the &quot;search&quot; button, but I'm gonna ask anyway - heh heh.<br><br>1. Why leave the diesel idle instead of stop/restart (ie: quick trip into the convenience store). I've even seen diesels idling while filling the tank - stupid or not?<br><br>2. I know cooling down a turbo is important - what is the importance of warming up the engine and for how long?<br><br>3. How low is too low on the dipstick? I have a rear engine seal leak and have to wait for ca$h to fix. I keep it full, but how low on the dipstick could it get without really hurting too much? 1qt, 2qts?<br><br>4. If I am getting less mpg's than I should (15-17 no load) what should I check?<br><br>Thanks - <br>I'm LOVING my new (old) Dodge Cummins, and really enjoy this group!<br><br>

Stamey

1. Some people let it idle instead of shutting down because whatever they are doing will take less time than the time it takes to cool down the turbo and shut down. In the winter some people do it to help keep the heat up in the engine. This has a caveat though. If you let it idle too long in cold weather and do not have a winter front or high idle the Cummins will still cool down too much and this will cause incomplete burn of fuel and that unburned fuel may wash down the cylinder walls and contaminate the oil. I have not personally seen this behavior or heard of it actually happening, but I have heard that this can happen from more than one source. <br><br>2. Cooling of the turbo is for a couple os reasons. First, letting it spin down so that it is not rotating at high speeds when the engine is shut down and possible damage the bearings from spinning dry. This is probably less important that reason two, letting the turbo's temp get low enough that the oil won't coke on the shaft and bearings after shutdown. Recently I have heard that there is little chance of coking with today's dino oils and NO chance with synthetics. I run synthetic oil but still do it (wait until EGT gets to 300 F pre-turbo) because I figure 'better safe than sorry'. I like to listen to the Cummins idling anyway. ;D<br><br>3. Your dipstick's low mark is 2 quarts low. I would not let it get lower than that. a quart of oil here and there is MUCH sheaper than a 5000+ dollar engine anytime. And if it is a lack-of-oil related failure NO warranty will cover it. <br><br>4. I can't answer this becuase I don't know much about first gen 12 valvers, except they are great engines. ;D<br><br>Chris

geer

About leaving the truck running when fueling. If your concern is fire or explosion don't worry about it. The diesel is a lot less volatile than gas. <br><br>Scooter

Hummin Cummins

[quote author=scooter link=board=8;threadid=14046;start=0#132368 date=1051421560]<br>About leaving the truck running when fueling. If your concern is fire or explosion don't worry about it. The diesel is a lot less volatile than gas. <br><br>Scooter<br>[/quote]<br><br>But doesnt the computer throw a code if you run the engine with a removed or loose fuel cap? I think the 03 does with the common rail system.

Got Smoke?

[quote author=ouchman link=board=8;threadid=14046;start=0#132079 date=1051328237]<br><br>4. If I am getting less mpg's than I should (15-17 no load) what should I check?<br><br>[/quote]<br><br>If its a 12 Valve then I would check timing. I picked up a solid 1.5MPG from having my timing set to 16* BTDC. Also the correct way to set timing on a 12 Valve is with a dial indicator on the #1 delievery valve (reference for choosing shop/person to do it).

Hired Gun

I leave mine running sometimes at fueling points. No codes.

GrandpasRam

[quote author=Hired Gun link=board=8;threadid=14046;start=0#133168 date=1051628271]<br>I leave mine running sometimes at fueling points. No codes.<br>[/quote]<br><br>Same here; I leave it running while fueling, and as far as codes go I haven't checked (I don't get any warning chimes in cab though, so I assume there aren't any codes). Main reason for fueling while running is that I can fuel it by the time the turbo cools down enough for shutdown (always use big rig islands at truck stops). Just my $.20.

Pseventyone

well you have a rear main leaking? when you do repair this seal be sure the new seal come with a seal saver azwell. What this is as your old seal has been in the same position on the crankshaft,seals even old worn ones wear a slight indentation on the crank? with a seal saver you will prevent any oil leakage. Good luck.