What is idle rpm?

[RickGyver]

Our '95 Dynasty/300 Cummins used to run erratic on cold starts. Cleared up in about a minute. It would lope and smoke, then clear up. Was told that the idle was too low so I adjusted from 500 to 750 rpms. Runs well now. What should the idle speed be set to? By the way,,, no special wrenches needed as discussed in a previous post. thx

[Mike Canter]

First you should define what a cold morning is. If it is in the lower 40's and below then a diesel has to warm up some before it stops smoking, The idle on the warmed up to operating temperature should be 700. When starting a cold diesel you should go to fast idle after about a minute (after the oil circulates well) by turning on the cruise control and hitting either set or resume to bump it up to around 850 or 950 to warm it up. If you let a cold cold diesel run at a low idle while real cold the fuel washes the oil off the cylinder walls and you get accelerated wear

[RickGyver]

So Mike,, if I engage cruise , I can raise the idle? My Monaco won't let me raise idle with foot pedal until it lets you,,,,drive-by-wire. I'll try that tomorrow. So 700 is a better idle than 750? thx. My brother-in-law flys predators by "wire". ooh rah! thx

[jimkate]

Start the engine. Turn the cruise on. Press set. Press Resume repeatedly until the engine is running the speed you want.

[jimkate]

The foot pedal on your coach will not work in the morning until you have at least 50 pounds air pressure. If you have air pressure,the foot pedal will work.

[Robi.1014]

Rick,
Just FYI, my '04 Diplomat has a dedicated idle increase switch on the dash labeled INC/DEC (for increase or decrement). Don't know what year this switch was implemented though.

[RickGyver]

Even tho my rig is older, it still amazes me how things work compared to my Pace Arrow pusher. I can't wait to try the cruise to raise idle. Raising the idle with the cruise is very similar to a Freightliner I used to drive! Have to move rig to street as fence is too close when parked. The air system always leaks down so I have been dropping jacks so tire won't hit inner fender. The air pressure is always low during cold starts, which is a waste of fuel! My compressor is very slow to pump up system. The air leaks are on my to-do list. The Dynasty had a rear blow out at some time in past and I'm hoping that one of the air bags wasn't damaged. Appreciate all the advice,,, thx So, am I wrong about fly-by-wire throttle, jimkate ??