I've read on this board that it's not a good idea to idle a diesel for an indefinite period.

I thought a diesle could idle for any amount of time without causeing any problems.

What's the answer?

Thanks.

DT.

 

The answer is no to letting your diesel idle for extended periods. It results in what is called diesel wash. It is a condition where the fuel is not being burnt completely due to the cooler combustion chamber of the diesel at idle. The unburnt fuel finds it's way past the rings and ends up in the crankcase resulting in diluted oil. Only someone that doesn't have to pay for their engine rebuld would let them idle for extended periods. Follow the instructions in your owners manual and all will be fine.

 

Keeping the idle high enough to ensure operating temp is maintained to prevent cylinder wash down and excessive combustion chamber deposits from low engine temps is the key.

 

Idling isn't gonna kill it, but it's much better if you can run it around 1,000 RPM, so that it carries better oil pressure and everything gets a good coat of oil.

 

Yes I am sure we all have heard of the old stick trick but why? It makes no sense. These engines do ramp up to 1000 RPMS if certain conditions are detected by the ECM. The engine still will not come up to operating temperature until you drive it. I used to be a big rig owner-operator and had to pay for my engine rebuilds. Did not then nor now believe in letting them idle for extended periods unless absolutely necessary. Bottom line is the engine hour meter ticks on as you let her idle away.

 

I recall reading a report from an engine manuf that said an hour of normal idle for a diesel engine is equivalent to 500 miles of on-the-road wear. Sounds reasonable with cylinder wash. If this is true, I don't understand why an owner-operator would do it, or why a freight company would allow it.

I can't document this statement, feel free to ignore it.

 

I own a diesel for two purposes to pull and to run my 2500 watt power inverter for my business. I have 11,000 miles and 400+ hours on the truck. When ideling I set the rpm's at 1200 with a stick. Every body has their opinion on this. Do I think it is good for the truck NO, would a gasser sustain the abuse I put on a truck? I don't think so. The way I see it is my truck is earning me money so if it dies I will go get a new one. Would I let my truck just sit and idle for hours and hours if I was not making money with it NO. Just my opinion

 

my truck hasnt been shut off in about 2 weeks (hahaha no seriously) i run her at 1200 RPM when i sleep. heres a question for you all. what about when it is hot as hell outside and if you just let it idle at 750 or whatever, the temp. still says around 190-210... is that ok or do you still have to idle up ?

VPI, how does your alternator do when you run your 2500 watt inverter? do you have the snow plow group because 2500 watts / 12 volts = 208 amps... i think the factory alternators are only 160 amps. ever thought about getting one of those honda generators? i was going to run a 1200 watt inverter to power a 1000 watt space heater but i got nervous that i would maybe fry my alternator or maybe even start a fire from the wires heating up so i didnt do it...