New to the forum, just got my new truck April 23

My first diesel, but my family has had many diesel trucks in the past. CTD Dodges, Ford 7.3's, Heavy Cummins Powered Bob-Tail grain trucks, Cummins powered tractors ect.

I was wondering why the owners manual seems to say that letting the truck idle is not good. I have always been taught that idling was better than shutting down and starting up a bunch.

Anyway love the truck so far, a little worried about mpg, but I only have 450 miles so far. Would like to drive it more, but don't have any where to go right now

 

Welcome Aboard!

Its all related to wet-stacking (fuel dilution of the crank case) and gumming up the valves on 4 valve engines that might induce breaking them. Its also related (I think) to the current environmental concern of exhaust pollution and inefficient use/waste of fuel.

Here's a TSB that describes some of the concern:
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2001/18-019-01.htm

None the less, this kind of question can give you all kinds of answers and evoke all kinds of emotions. I try and not let mine idle too darn long, but it has - summer and winter.

Aren't these trucks nice?

 

I didn't think of engine cooling and incomplete combustion causing fuel to enter the crankcase, but it makes sense. Fuel waste shouldn't be a problem since in a diesel the fuel is rated according to throttle position, I think. If the engine is idling it should use very little fuel comparatively. Hmm.

I guess if a guy had a throttle control like you would use for PTO operation and like heavy trucks have then you could throttle up if you were going to leave the truck sit with the engine running. I've seen Ford PSD's with this type of controller from the factory, does Dodge have one? Some farmers I know just use it to keep their AC cold while sitting and talking on their cell phone. Nice huh.

 

Unfortunately, Dodge doesn't offer an AIC like Ford does, but there is good news for the owners of 3rd gen auto trucks in the form of a TSB that enables the cruise control functions to act as an AIC.

Unfortunately, it doesn't apply to the 5 and 6 speed trucks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

There are also some aftermarket systems out there, but they are kind of pricey.

About the inefficient use of fuel, around here you can get a ticket if the law finds your car idling and unattended.

 

Bummer about applying an AIC to slush box trucks. Oh well, I don't really need one I guess, but it would be a fun control gadget. Thanks for the info bulabula

 

I did forget one option that is popular; and is one that I use. Its fits into the KISS principle and is called a stick. Mine's a piece of wood about 16" long that fits nicely between the throttle and the drivers seat. I can adjust the idle speed by varying the angle of the high idle stick.

For those high-rollers with electric seats, that little button on the side of the seat can be moved forward or aft to adjust idle speed as well.

hth....

 

I use my high idle stick a lot. Glad I am not the only one that does this

 

I think Cummins calls longer than 20 minutes extended idling.

I upgraded to the Dodge high idle TSB. You can use the cruise control to fast idle at a fixed 1100 or adjust from 1100 to 1500 rpm.

Pete

 

I wonder if it's just a software issue that limits that high idle feature to trucks with auto trannys.It sure would be nice up here in Canada(and northern US) in the winter those of us with manual trannys to be able to idle it up with the cruise buttons.Mark.

 

I guess the way DC figures is that the manual trucks can have an e brake but the slushers don't have anything to prevent wet stacking so the reflash idle is their option. Gotta be a software thing. Any computer nerds wanna take this on?

 

I use the throttle stick as well. Not sure how long mine is just kept trimming untill it was where I wanted it.

 

Bula- Is AIC automatic idle control, and how do I use the cruise button to control it?? Signed- SAU(stunned as usual!) (Do I need a reflash for it first, and where do i find the bulletin if so??)

 

Another thread shows it as TSB 18-004-04. Is that the one? How does the cruise button operate it??

 

Here is what cummins says, it seems there is a flash to fix this, even on manuals... it is not a user set item, like the cruise controll thing, but automatic as needed. jsut a thought?

Solution:

Thanks for your Email message.

Idling the engine when it is hot is not a problem (160 to 180 deg. F
coolant tempterature). The problem starts when coolant temperature drops
below 160 deg.F and the fuel does not have a complete burn.

The cold weather idle (or cold weather warm up) feature is offered
via a Technical Service Bulletin as a calibration update to the ECM. It
is included in the latest calibration as a feature.

This feature is available for 98.5 and newer Dodge RAM trucks. The
function is basically a faster idle speed that is implemented whenever the
following conditions are met:

Intake air temperature below 32 degrees F
Coolant temperature below 160 degrees F
Throttle position at 0%
Service brake not depressed
Transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL

When these conditions are met the engine will ramp up from the 800rpm
idle to 1200rpm to increase engine temp and to prevent valve train
damage due to extended low-temperature low-RPM idle time.
(Low temperature idle causes carbon and varnish build-up which can lead
to sticking valves and the
resulting damage to engine components.)

Feel free to use the Dodge dealer locator if you need assistance in
locating the nearest facility.
The locator is found on the Dodge website at
(http://www.4adodge.com/).
(http://www.4adodge.com/frameset_main.html?dealers/index)

Please let us know if you have other questions and if away from your
computer or have a time-critical request that needs more urgent
attention, feel free to call us toll-free (from North America) at 1-800-DIESELS
(343-7357).

Email direct: powermaster@cummins.com

Regards,
--
Powermaster
Customer Assistance Center
Cummins, Inc.
Columbus, Indiana, USA

 

Yea, this always generates a millions threads. It doesn't really matter if it's a diesel or gasser, idling for extended periods is not good. But, my trucks idle A LOT. Just because of the work we do. Never had a problem. But I'll be the first one to admit it's not good for the motor or the enviornment.