Have a question that I hope someone can shed some light on. Is it okay to let the HO idle for extended periods? I've read the owner's manual and it covers cold weather idling pretty good, however I can't seem to find anything in reference to warm weather. I've been told two different opinions. One that it is not because idling will let oil residue build in the turbo due to the RPM's, and the other that it will not hurt the engine. I'm speaking of idle times around 10 - 15 minutes. <br><br>Any thoughts, suggestions or experinces in the matter?<br><br>Also take it easy on me I'm a first time dieseler and new to the board.

 

Actually, I don't know of any diesel manufacturer that reccomends letting their engines idle for long periods of time. Over the road trucks are equipped with switches that can be used to raise the RPM's when sitting for long periods while running.

 

Hi, Travelin Man,<br><br>Welcome to the board. We all have learned a lot here and I am sure you will also.<br><br>Idling? Cummins recommends idling no longer than 5 minutes. <br><br>Rather than go into a long discertation, why not click on the Search (magnifying glass) right above here on the screen. Click on &quot;select all&quot; which will deselect all, then click on 3rd gen only. Then, type in the word &quot;idling&quot; and see what you get. There are a bunch of posts all ready on the boards on that subject. <br><br>Again, welcome.

 

Thanks for the replies and advice. With the cost of fuel, seems like on a daily increase, I'll opt to save $ and shut it down when I can.

 

I have never understood why anyone would want to let their vehicle idle for extended periods of time. Most people think if the big rigs can do it then so can I. Guess what, most of the big rig drivers don't own their trucks and don't have to pay for the rebuild and could care less. The more hours you put on an engine just puts it closer to rebuild time, whether it be a gas or a diesel engine. My advice is just shut it off after letting the EGTs drop. By the way, I used to drive and owned my own big rig. You would never see mine just sitting and idling in the pickle parks or truck stops.

 

I generally use 5 minutes as a rule of thumb. If my stop is less than 5 minutes I let 'er run, but shut off if it's longer than that. One example is I usually leave it run when I fuel up since that takes less than 5 minutes if you pay at the pump. If I have to go in, I shut it off (partly due to risk of theft).<br><br>Vaughn

 

[quote author=Vaughn MacKenzie link=board=20;threadid=12548;start=0#118915 date=1048288814]<br> One example is I usually leave it run when I fuel up since that takes less than 5 minutes if you pay at the pump. If I have to go in, I shut it off (partly due to risk of theft).<br><br>Vaughn<br>[/quote]<br><br>Don't forget runaway as well.<br><br>The best reason to shut off while fueling.<br>That and theft.<br><br><br>phox

 

Hey fellow horse power &quot;Junkies&quot;!<br>I'm new to the post but have been lucky enough to work for several heavy equipment dealers who were Cummins certified dealers along with Pacific Detroit Diesel and Cat. After going to the factory R &amp; D department for all three I noticed one thing in common. None, and I repeat None of them recommend extended idling due to upper cylinder failure caused by &quot;Fuel wash of the upper cylinder area&quot;. Fuel wash is the removal of upper cylinder lubricant by the unburnt fuel in the combustion chamber. Idling engines are not efficient at burning 100% of intake charge at idle speed. All three manufacturers agreed. Makes sense to me and I have seen these cylinder failures before, just never knew what caused them. Hope this Helps!!!

 

[quote author=Vaughn MacKenzie link=board=20;threadid=12548;start=0#118915 date=1048288814]<br>I generally use 5 minutes as a rule of thumb. If my stop is less than 5 minutes I let 'er run, but shut off if it's longer than that. One example is I usually leave it run when I fuel up since that takes less than 5 minutes if you pay at the pump. If I have to go in, I shut it off (partly due to risk of theft).<br><br>Vaughn<br>[/quote]<br><br>I thought we weren't supposed to leave it running while filling up because of the high pressure fuel system?? ???