I've been told or read that my 2002/ctd shouldn't idle for a long period of time. Why and how long is too long? When I come to a railroad crossing and wait for a train do I shut it off or ?

Dumb question I guess Thanks for the forum

 

I remeber a while back, reading about whats called "fuel wash" if i remeber correctly.
I think thats when fuel goes unburt at idle speeds and washes the cylinder .

This is off of memory from some time ago, So id confirm that info.
Either way, i dont think even the longest of freight trains is anything to worry about.
Ive fallen asleep with it running while out plowing. just some sooty smoke when you do get moving.

 

I have a inverter that i use so i idle my eng at 1000 rpm,as for a train i don't think you'll be ok

 

24v's shouldn't "idle" for long periods...1/2 hour or more. They run cooler exhaust temperatures, and fuel and gunk can stick to the valves under low heat, and cause a bent pushrod.

DO NOT worry about idling for trains, or even running in somewhere for 10 minutes. IF YOU DO NEED TO IDLE, idle it up to 100-1200 RPM so it'll build some heat!

Good Luck,
Chris

 

(as for a train i don't think you'll be ok)

sorry i did not say it correct

AS FOR A TRAIN I THINK YOU'LL BE OK

 

Some info for your engine. The minimum combustion temp is 150*F if you can keep the coolant temp above that you will be fine. I regularly idle the truck with said I use baler belting bought at a farm supply store. Punch holes in the top of it and use the heavy (150 lb string). I use 2 to 4 and leave the center open in the winter. Or I use mud flaps which work well. Mine burns cold because it doesn't idle the way the other 48 diesel engines I have operated. So I know about cold engines. Use 2 on the sides if above - 10*C and 4 1/4 overlap if colder then -15*C. I am convinced that it is good to let the temp needle to come up off of the bottom and let it set for about 5 minutes or so before you shut it off. In the cold temps listen to the engine sound and you can tell that it is cold without the rad closed in somewhat.

Engine temp above 160*F and oil pressure above the bottom setting.

 

I read a thing on Cummins.com that engine oil can build up on the valves and cause a bent pushrod. It does this with non-synthetic oil, if you use say rotella t it could build up varnish around the valve seals and make it stuck thereby bending a push rod. I have idled mine for over two hours before and never even gave it a second thought. The engine is very tough. dont worry so much and just enjoy it.

 

Thanks for all the comments, Chuck

 

The only bad thing that I have heard was idleing in park. The tranny doesnt pump fluid in park so I put mine in neutral when warming up ect..

 

Not exactly true.....extended ideling (especially in cold weather) is hard on the engine. Among other things, it causes fuel to wash past the rings and enter the crankcase, causes varninsh to build up on the valvetrain.

 

I think the main idea is if needed to idle, try to run it at high idle (approx 1200 rpm) to build up some heat and you should be fine. Obviously, the colder it is, the less ideal idle conditions.

 

Some info on idling with respect to fleets. You probably can directly apply some of the conclusions to your own vehicle.

Reference:

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/...ons_idling.cfm

Idling gives you o MPG, causes carbon buildup in your oil and in fleet operations quote Controlled studies demonstrate that prolonged idling typically reduces the operating life of engine oli by 75%, from 600 engine-hours to 150 engine-hours unquote.
From a FleetSmart Program Idling Gets You Nowhere.

When a gasoline or diesel engine idles for prolonged periods, the engine oil becomes contaminated more quickly than when the vehicle is being driven. Oil contamination is more prevalent in diesel engines because of the large amount of intake air used in the diesel combustion cycle. When idling at low rpms, such as 600 rpm, the excess air in the combustion process cools the cylinder liners, resulting in incomplete combustion and condensation of unburned fuel on the cylinder walls. These deposits are eventually drawn into the engine sump where they contaminate the engine oil and reduce its effectiveness as a lubricant.

Refer to the above web site for the full text of the document.

Regards