I just got a 06 Dodge 2500 with the Cummins. The guy at the Dodge Service Center told me I can't let this Truck Idle. I am in this Truck for 12 hours a day at a minimum. I have to leave the Truck running to heat and or cool the Interior Cab. In my 03 International 2-Tom I let it idle all the time. I could set the Cruise Control and raise the RPMS. I can't do this with the truck. I know it can wash out the Injectors and such. Will someone please tell me how to get around this. Thanks, G

 

Are you sure the cruise won't raise the idle? I have read it will.

 

I think you can have the dealer program it or you can use a Triple Dog Programmer to add this feature.

 

If you find out the 06 cannot through the cruse...try this

http://www.truckntow.com/pc-11450-14...-cable-15.aspx

 

Dealer can program it for you. It' allows you to set it up to about 1500rpm.

 

maybe put it where the cig lighter socket is

 

I let mine idle while at work. There are times I idle it for 5-6 hours. Its fine.

 

From a Cummins owners manual


From a Caterpillar owners manual

it's your truck do as you wish.

 

You could mount an exhaust brake and run it during extended idle periods to keep the EGT's up, or what I used to do was to apply the E-brake and drop the transmission into drive along with the exhaust brake on my EGT's were 600-700deg.

 

Don't stress about it, have your high idle enabled, it can be done on both the auto's and stick trucks. I work in the oil patch and see trucks that don't shut off for a week at a time when it gets cold. Doesn't harm them as long as the engine is kept revved up a bit.

P.S. - fill out your sig so we can see the details on how your truck is equipped.

 

I've seen 3508B Cats idle for 4-5 days at 500 RPM... They DO slobber, but when you load them up and get the EGT to about 1250 degrees, they burn it off pretty quick!!!

 

Okay, Thats what I am getting at. I work in a Gas Field. I do communications and I run a lot of Electronic Equipment off the Truck. Additionally, I have to sit in this Truck for at least 8 Hours a day and wait for something to happen. This is a work Truck and I want to protect my boss's investment. At the same time I can't sit around when it is -20 F or 100, you know what I mean. Thanks , I will fill out my Sig with as much info as I know.

 

I guess I am missing something here. What does Caterpillar Engines have to do with this engine? I know that low Idle causes issues. I am new to Dodge and I am new to Diesel's. I did use Cat Motors before for irrigation. But those were 12 Cylinder Beasts with a big fat throttle control.

Also my CEL came on at 800 Miles. It happened after I let my Truck Idle for about 1 Hour.

 

Ok, so there's a couple issues with letting diesel engines idle for extended periods...

1) Low combustion temps that don't completely burn the fuel will allow the fuel to wash down the rings and contaminate the lubricating oil.

2) Wet Stacking...unburned fuel 'sticking' to the exhaust valves & causing them to stay open, causing bent valves, etc.

Both of these issues were prevalent with older injection systems that did NOT have the level of control over the fuel, that is present over the last 5 years or so. However, in extreme corcumstances, they can still be seen.

On an '06, both situations can be avoided by having the dealer enable the high idle feature. This will allow you to manually control the idle between 1100 and 1500rpm, by using the cruise control switches.

To use Hi-idle:
1) Turn on Cruise Control...in neutral or park....keep your foot off the brake pedal.
2) Press SET...The engine should idle up to 1100rpm
3) Press Accel to increase idle or Decel to lower idle (1100-1500rpm)
4) To return to normal: Turn off Cruise Control, Press Cancel, or Step on the brake pedal.

Here, in Phoenix summers, I'll occasionally wait in the truck for the wife to do her business in the store, for ~10 minutes or more at times. About every 5 minutes, I'll romp the throttle over 2k...Watch the SOOT fly! Keeps the AC cold & heater warm!

HTH

Tony

 

Excellent post Tony, The only thing to add to it is that a Dodge needs to be in neutral for extended idleing, the auto trans does not pump in park.