I wouldn't sleep in an idling vehicle, no matter what it burned for fuel.

Even if it doesn't kill you it could make you sick, an you know it ain't a good idea to inhale those fumes for a long period.

That's just too dangerous.

Get yourself a good sleeping bag, and buy a bunch of those chemical hand warmers, the ones in the plastic bags that, when you take them out of the plastic they get *VERY WARM*.

They usually sell them in sporting goods stores, camping supply stores, etc.

Buy a bunch of the and out one in each pocket, on in each shoe, and spread the rest around the inside of the sleeping bag. They stay toasty warm for 6-8 hours.

I did that up in Sebago Maine in 20 degree weather and I was warm as toast, sleeping on the ground in a tent.

DT.

 

its just 20 above I dont get worried till its 20 below then you can start to complain

 

Gut it out Texan! Its about time you got up here in cold country and see what you are missing! It will make you tough, like us Yankees!

NEVER sleep in a running vehicle, just a bad idea all the way around.

 

Hey its not my fault, when it drops below 50, people start whining. Give me a break, I've never even seen snow!!! I just don't see a reason to leave the best state in the US!!!



Hunter

 

Park it into the wind if your worried about CO.

If you want to let it run let it run as its not going to hurt it for that amount of time. Let my 95 idle many a times when i had come in late from work and didnt want to have a cold truck to contend with a few hours later but we were talking actual winter temps.

Have fun on your trip


Jason

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dodgediesel4x4
[B]Hey its not my fault, when it drops below 50, people start whining. Give me a break, I've never even seen snow!!! I just don't see a reason to leave the best state in the US!!!

Ya know, I almost have to agree with you. I really love Texas, I have 2 daughter living near Houston. I love to visit Texas. Come on up in the winter and see what you are missing man!

 

Diesels do produce CO but at very low levels and CO detectors cant detect it. They do produce sulphur dioxide which can cause nausea but isnt life threatening.

 

Regarding extended idle; I got this reply from Cummins when enquiring about this very thing.

Colby


Summary: Cummins Diesel Idle Question

Solution:

Thanks for your Email message.

Cummins does not recommend excessive idling of the engines because some people let them idle for hours, which can cause excessive carbon buildup on the pistons, piston rings, injector tips, valves, etc. Whenever coolant temperatures are below 160 degF, the diesel engine does not burn fuel very well and this causes the carbon buildup.

Therefore, if you are only stopped for 10 minutes or so, it might be just as well to let it run, so the coolant temperature stays in the 140 to 160 degree range. At idle the engine will burn about 1/2 gal fuel per hour, which is not terribly expensive, plus your truck cab stays warm.

Cummins designed an intake manifold 'grid heater', which was incorporated into the Dodge Turbo Diesel applications, to aid in starting the engine in cool or cold ambient temperatures. In the Dodge, the controller is part of the truck wiring and is supplied by Dodge and the grid heater in the intake manifold is supplied by Cummins. The grid heater heats the air in the intake manifold, prior to engine start, then cycles on and off until the coolant temperature reaches about 140 degrees.

When the grid is activated during start up in cool or cold ambients, the heater will cycle off and on until the engine starts to warm up. The unit draws considerable amperage from the battery system and will cause the ammeter to fluctuate during warm up. In very cold conditions, the grid heater may require more amperage than the alternator produces.

Basically, when the key switch on the Dodge is turned on, the grid heater is activated and operates off the batteries. The heater is like a toaster and heats the air in the intake manifold. This heater will provide good starting as long as the batteries are in good condition. The heater pulls considerable amps requiring a fully charged battery and a battery in good condition.

The Dodge unit also has a light on the dash that comes on when the key switch is turned on. When the light goes out, the engine can be started. When ambients get below zero (artic conditions), then the standard block heater can be plugged in, to heat the engine coolant, in addition to the grid heater.

We thank you for your interest in Cummins products. Please let us know if you need assistance in locating the nearest Cummins-authorized Dealer or Distributor Service Provider. For assistance in locating a Service Provider, feel free to use Cummins North America Dealer Locator, which can be found on Cummins website:
http://www.cummins.com/service_locator/index.cfm

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). Customers may also call Cummins switchboard 1-812-377-5000 (worldwide toll call) and ask for the 800-DIESELS Call Center for assistance.

Email direct: powermaster@cummins.com

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

 

Very interesting! That basically says idling is OK as long as its not for hours and as long as your water temp is above 160*. Well my temp gauge never drops below 185*. And I was under the impression that combustion temps should be around 300* but that wasnt stated. Probably because not to many people have gauges. Maybe idling is more of an issue in very cold temps, like -0*, at least untill the engine is warmed up? It would be nice to know how much of this idling thing is a real problem or more urban legend. Like how many people have been affected by long term idling.

 

That was my understanding and here is their replies to that same question:


Summary: Cummins Diesel Idle Question

Solution:


We think you are right about the 160 to 175 deg. F. We do not here of any problems idling for long period in the summer times. Most if not all problems from idling to long happen in the winter. We would think the oil changes thould be made at no more than 7500 miles if you do have prolonged idling periods.


.......ok, best thing to do if prolonged idle in cold weather is to change the oil more frequently; idling up a bit helps in the winter; in summer with a/c, if you end up with over 40% idle time go to the shorter interval also.

Shorter is half what you'd do normally, or "severe" duty if that's listed in your manual.

Regards, Powermaster


Ccolby