Dartmouth 12V

I start it then trn on the radio, put on my seatbelt and go so probably 30 seconds of idling. When it is real cold, I just drive really conservatively until it is up to temp. Once there is oil pressure, I really don't see any point in idling much longer. Even with a high idle, your engine barely warms up.

Many people claim that they high idle for long periods in order to save wear and tear on the engine. I would challenge that the drivetrain on these trucks is built to last a very long time and there is usually a different reason that the truck is retired. You are not saving money on maintenance by idling because of the cost of the fuel that you are burning.

If you are really concerned with the longevity of your drivetrain, plan your day smarter so that you don't go out as often. By lumping all of your errands together, your truck won't have a chance to cool down and you will be saving wear and tear and saving a lot of money on fuel.

chipmonk

according to rocky mtn cummins, excessive idling (including warm-up) is not good for newer 3rd gen, cr cummins motors. even in winter temps, 1-2 minutes of warm-up, followed by easy driving until normal operating temps are seen, is what is recommended.

newconcorddodge

Right now usually wait until i scrape off the windows, and try to plug in at night so i don't have to wait as long to warm things up.

In the summer just wait until oil pressure comes up.

ofcmarc

I've heard that but I believe that has to do with the DPF not the engine/drivetrain. Guy I work with put a webasto on because of that.

walexa

I never idle more than 5 seconds, no matter how cold. As soon as oil pressure is up I'm moving!

Waylan

wurkenman

Depends on the weather, if its like -15-20 I let it warm up for about 5-10 min. Otherwise I just let the oil get up to pressure and after a min or two, I take off. No heavy foot though until the temp gage moves up.

05 CTD2500

I set the high idle a few seconds after startup, go after the grids stop cycling, keep rpm's under about 1800 until the temp gauge starts moving.

Mark Hodowanec

On my Cummins, not at all, start up the engine, let it smooth out, and slowly release the clutch. Even at -10 I don't let it idle long. I do drive very easy until it's up to temp.

On my 7.3PSD Excursion, I let it idle until it stops 'romping'. Usually within a minute I can start moving the truck.

AH64ID

Its based on my coolant temp... I try not to drive before the coolant hits 60*F, if I am plugged in thats instantly... if its cool (low 30's) its about 45 seconds (EB on), if its COLD it can take 2 minutes.... When the engine has been run and is warm I wait about 5-10 seconds... then I drive easy until its at operating temp.

afoulk

In the winter time, I plug it in at night and let it idle 5-10 mins. and most of that is with me holding the revs around 1100-1200rpms. Normally I let it idle maybe a minute and take off, babying it till my temp. gauge moves about half way, but I only have a 5min. drive to work, so I let it run awhile before I leave.

DNRCustoms

It all depends on the circumstances. If I know I got to go somewhere. Get in go. Winter time, never plug in. "I always keep her off the ambilical Cord" warm up for 5 min or so. Don't matter anyhow takes 10 or more mins to start getting to temp. I love my cummins, but she is a cold blooded you know what!!

bullfrog5.9

i let it run from 10 all the way to half hour if its cold i find when it cold and i let it sit for half hour the auto trans takes off better plus i hate getting in truck when its cold and im drive down the road cold rrrrrr so right now since its cold 15 mins but tommorrow morn i will let it sit probly 40 mins b4 work its cold here so ill get up start it go back to bed then get up and leave lol

cowboy_trucker

If its t-shirt weater Ill idle 30 seconds, maybe a minute. I never plug it in, and if its -30 Ill give it 4 or 5 mins, always at 1000-1100 rpm. My Pete gets long enough to build up the air and a quick walk around to check lights and its off

Tate

I've never really idled the truck. If its cold, it idles long enough for me to scrape the windows and brush the snow off. Other than that, I'm on my way.

MikeyB

To me idling is wasting fuel. Might as well use that energy and start rolling.

But lucky for me I don't live in a cold climate.

MikeyB