Community Forums

dcamisi · 01-26-2018, 12:23 PM

This is my first Diesel engine. I store my rv over the winter in my driveway. Does it need to be started periodically? I’ve read that it should NOT be started. And that starting it and letting it idle until it warms up will actually hurt the engine. Comments?

stuhly · 01-26-2018, 12:28 PM

Do not start it if you are not going to drive it. You can let it idle all day and not get it warm enough to get rid of the moisture you will create.

docj · 01-26-2018, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcamisi

I’ve read that it should NOT be started. And that starting it and letting it idle until it warms up will actually hurt the engine.

Both Caterpillar and Cummins recommend that their engines are better off if left alone when in storage. If you insist starting it up, it is important that it come to full operating temperature (>180 degrees) before turning it off. Running it for "a few minutes" does much more harm than good.

Although this seems counter-intuitive to what we usually do with gasoline engines, just think about all those pieces of agricultural and construction equipment that sit for months at a time without being used. They're just fine when the time comes to use them.

Rburian · 01-26-2018, 01:30 PM

I take my coach for a 40mile drive every 30 days, and run the generator.

Monacoach · 04-29-2018, 07:03 PM

I took this advice and let my diesel sit and when it came time to start the engine the alternator was seized and ripped the surpentine belt off.

I will no longer let my diesel sit for months without starting it occasionally. Use it or lose it....

barmcd · 04-30-2018, 07:29 AM

The owners manual for my coach says to drive it a minimum of 20 miles a month. If you can't do that, I wouldn't start it and not drive it while in storage. I've found that my engine won't come up above about 150 degrees when idling. That's not enough to warm it up and burn off moisture.

Monacoach · 04-30-2018, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barmcd

The owners manual for my coach says to drive it a minimum of 20 miles a month. If you can't do that, I wouldn't start it and not drive it while in storage. I've found that my engine won't come up above about 150 degrees when idling. That's not enough to warm it up and burn off moisture.

Perhaps it depends on where the coach is stored and how much moisture and temperature swings are present. You can let it sit without starting the engine and have things seize up or you can idle occasionally and have condensation issues.

docj · 05-01-2018, 06:44 AM

With all due respect, I think the engine manufacturers know what's best for their products. IMO one shouldn't base decisions on anecdotal stories.

grindstone01 · 05-01-2018, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monacoach

I took this advice and let my diesel sit and when it came time to start the engine the alternator was seized and ripped the surpentine belt off.

I will no longer let my diesel sit for months without starting it occasionally. Use it or lose it....

...

Common sense will tell you that the storage period did not ruin your alternator. It was most likely going to fail soon anyway. It's best to follow your manufactures storage suggestion, not a opinion based on a one time event.

MNawman · 05-01-2018, 07:06 AM

I store mine from Nov thru March. The first weekend of every month I start it, start the genny and drive it for 30 to 45 min. I put a good load on the genny, I run the slides out and in, and I run the jacks a couple times. I also do a visual inspection underneath, in the engine compartment, and in the basement bays. Before I park it, I ll top off the fuel if needed. Haven’t had any issues related to these systems.

Mark

Monacoach · 05-02-2018, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grindstone01

...

Common sense will tell you that the storage period did not ruin your alternator. It was most likely going to fail soon anyway. It's best to follow your manufactures storage suggestion, not a opinion based on a one time event.

Common sense told me a different story my friend. He told me that sitting in a moist environment allowed rust to set in.
I will exercise the engine every two weeks to prevent this from happening again.

use it or lose it applies here.

Cooperhawk · 05-02-2018, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monacoach

Common sense told me a different story my friend. He told me that sitting in a moist environment allowed rust to set in.
I will exercise the engine every two weeks to prevent this from happening again.use it or lose it applies here.

I totally agree.I start ours at least once a month and let it warm up as best I can. Sometimes here in the Winter I simply can't get it out to drive it, but letting it lubricate itself is a top priority for me. Oil will over time drain off pistons and cylinders and let corrosion begin. Running it will lubricate it again.

grindstone01 · 05-02-2018, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooperhawk

I totally agree.I start ours at least once a month and let it warm up as best I can. Sometimes here in the Winter I simply can't get it out to drive it, but letting it lubricate itself is a top priority for me. Oil will over time drain off pistons and cylinders and let corrosion begin. Running it will lubricate it again.

....

I can't argue with people that know better than the experts and design engineers that work on the vehicles. That said, it's your vehicle and you get to decide what works for you!!
Every time you start a cold engine the first 5 seconds is equal to 100 miles of driving wear.

twinboat · 05-02-2018, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monacoach

Common sense told me a different story my friend. He told me that sitting in a moist environment allowed rust to set in.
I will exercise the engine every two weeks to prevent this from happening again.

use it or lose it applies here.

If rust set in, there was no longer any grease left in the sealed alternator bearings. They would have failed soon anyway. Probably on the road, disrupting your trip.