I just bought my first diesel a 02 ram with a cummins, auto trans, 9800 miles. I have a few questions first off I have seen where you don't recommend to let it idle for longer than 10 min. but if the motor stays within the op range should it not be fine? Also you recommend to put the tranny in neutral when idleing will this not wear out the tranny faster? And finally what is this about adjusting the bands on the auto tranny, if 98 percent of the time it runs unloaded and the other 2 it hauls a 2500 pound trailer should it not last longer? Thanks guy, sorry about the newbie questions

 

Lrdchaos: Welcome to the site! With the idling question, you almost answered your own question. At idle, a diesel engine won't reach normal operating temps. In order for the engine to warm up at idle, you have to have an exhaust brake, or a high idle device of some kind. As to the tranny in neutral when idling, it circulates fluid and keeps things lubed up. As to adjusting the bands, I'm not sure. I do know that running solo and occasionally towing a 2500 lb. trailer you are not even beginning to work your rig. I certainly wouldn't worry about any longevity issues. With regular maintenance, and a little TLC, you're good to go for 350,000 to 400,000 miles. You might need a lift pump or two, though.

DeWain

 

Ok I understand warming up at idle, but what about if it is already up to temp from driving and I want to let it run while I inside or something is it worth shutting it down for 15 min?

 

I don't know, but for what it is worth I have had three cummins 97 3500, 99 2500, 2002 3500. I have let all of these trucks idle for long periods of time with no problems. Maybe I should knock on wood. By the way the 97 was a manual, 99 was a automatic, 2002 is a six speed.

 

I used to let my Ford idle for upwards of 30 minutes at a time.

The technical answer is you shouldn't as the cylinder temp gets too low and builds carbon which can kill.

 

I have a '99 2500 24v, 5 spd with 118,000 KM. I have let it idle for times up to an hour in hot and cold weather and have never noticed a problem. I do use an additive every few fillups that is suppose to help clean the carbon out. It's a fairly new additive called 20+ Cetane. The more miles I put on it, the stronger it seems to rum.

 

Extended idleing is BAD (especially in cold weather).....Idelling at normal rpm causes the engine to cool, fuel washes past the rings and contanimates the oil, valves get gummed up, varnishes are created....the list goes on and on.