Community Forums

edaa53 · 03-16-2016, 07:33 AM

Hi - I stay for several months here in FL and would like to know a pr0cedure to run my Cummins every week or so. I have slides out and jacks level - all air is bled from suspension. If I start engine air bags fill, etc. Any ideas other then bring in slides and return jacks? Thanks. (2000 Newmar DSDP 3859 on Sparten chassis) Ed

motorhomeguy · 03-16-2016, 07:41 AM

If you aren't going to bring the engine up to operating temps, which will not do just running it in place, don't bother starting it. Just leave it until you are ready to leave and go back north, running the engine in place does no good to your engine. The best option if you feel you must "run" the engine is to pack it up and drive it for a short while and bring the engine up to operating temps and go back an part it, otherwise I would leave it be until you go north...

Ron_H · 03-16-2016, 08:13 AM

Just idling your engine, even at a higher speed, will not bring it up to a temperature sufficient to evaporate moisture in the engine and exhaust system and may in fact do more harm than good. Even Cummins will tell you to simply leave it off for those few months if you are unable to exercise it properly by running it under load.

edaa53 · 03-17-2016, 06:03 AM

Good input. I will follow your advice. Thank you. Ed

Triker56 · 03-17-2016, 07:31 AM

I have parked my MH for 7 months a year in SE Florida for over 13 years now.
Only time I have ever started the engine is to do a oil change in the engine or transmission.

I do start it about 3 days before heading North in the spring. To add some Freon to the dash AC. And check if it will start.

About every 45-60 days unless there has been a power outage during that time. I run the generator for 1-2 hours.

edaa53 · 03-18-2016, 04:09 PM

Also wise input. The 4 day prior exit start - regardless of engine load - is a good idea. If no start at least you have a few days to solve problem. Thank you.

Ray,IN · 03-19-2016, 09:40 PM

The main reason for not starting a diesel without driving it long enough for the engine oil to reach and maintain operating temperature for at least 20 minutes is moisture condensation in the crankcase will not evaporate in less time.
That is the reason virtually all engine manufacturers recommend changing engine oil just prior to long-term storage; eliminate any water (water in oil creates an acidic condition) in the old oil.

Mr_D · 03-19-2016, 09:52 PM

Direct from Cummins a few years ago when this question came up back then:

Quote:

"Deen this is a very good question. From the perspective of the
Cummins engine it is good to do either one of two things:

1) Start the engine and drive it or 2) do not start the engine.

Our engines do not gain anything by idling. In fact a diesel engine
on low idle will not ever get up to operating temperatures which is
bad for the engine and can cause an increase in soot production.

The other side of the story is that starting the engine and letting it
idle is probably good for other things like air brakes, heating and
cooling, etc. So probably the best answer to try to get both worlds
to meet is to occasionally take the unit out for a drive during times
of prolonged storage."