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EDALLSAILS · 12-19-2013, 04:02 PM

Time you stop and pull into a campground or gas station is enough to let the turbo spin down enough. To me the point isn't important because I use 100% Synthetic oils. They have a substantial higher temp range and unless you exceed 400 + degrees F the oil isn't going to coke. Call Shell, Royal Purple, Mobil and ask them. safe travels.... ed

OutAround · 12-19-2013, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDALLSAILS

Time you stop and pull into a campground or gas station is enough to let the turbo spin down enough. To me the point isn't important because I use 100% Synthetic oils. They have a substantial higher temp range and unless you exceed 400 + degrees F the oil isn't going to coke. Call Shell, Royal Purple, Mobil and ask them. safe travels.... ed

X2 agreed

Tizbad · 01-15-2014, 06:03 AM

Other than idle time needed for cooling the turbo down after a hard pull and some slight warm up times there is no need to idle a diesel engine. Todays diesels can also consume close to a gallon of fuel per hour at idle and with the price of fuel, this might be something to consider.

jesilvas · 01-15-2014, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tizbad

Other than idle time needed for cooling the turbo down after a hard pull and some slight warm up times there is no need to idle a diesel engine. Todays diesels can also consume close to a gallon of fuel per hour at idle and with the price of fuel, this might be something to consider.

Where do you get a gallon an hour? If in regen, I can see that, but that's it.

TeJay · 01-15-2014, 07:36 AM

My background is in the gasoline engines. I'm thinking what is true for gas is also somewhat true for diesel. The gas engine is not very efficient and burns as dirty as at any time it is running when it is idling. Back years ago when monitoring running exhaust gases was trendy it was obvious how dirty the gas engine was at idle. During the idle times more gas was washing the oil from the cylinder walls and thinning the engine oil in the crankcase. This happened to me several times. When we had chokes on the carbs with a choke even partially on it would spill so much fuel into the oil I took as much as 1-2 extra quarts of liquid from the oil pan. The extra liquid was gasoline.
My thinking is if prolonged idling is not good for gasoline engines I don't think it much good for diesel. I could be wrong.

TeJay

laj · 01-15-2014, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tizbad

Other than idle time needed for cooling the turbo down after a hard pull and some slight warm up times there is no need to idle a diesel engine. Todays diesels can also consume close to a gallon of fuel per hour at idle and with the price of fuel, this might be something to consider.

like to know where this data came from. maybe somewhere between a pint- quart, but a gallon.

Tony Lee · 01-15-2014, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourstar

I have a Cat C9. When I'm on the road I have been leaving the engine idling during short stops, such as at a rest stop or convenience store. Usually only 15 minutes or so. Is this a bad practice?

Yes it is. Bad for the engine and annoys everyone within earshot.

sdennislee · 01-15-2014, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tizbad

Other than idle time needed for cooling the turbo down after a hard pull and some slight warm up times there is no need to idle a diesel engine. Todays diesels can also consume close to a gallon of fuel per hour at idle and with the price of fuel, this might be something to consider.

I see a couple of people questioning this data. This may not be that far off.

On the North Slope of Alaska when the temps drop below minus 30F we go from justing plugging in the block heater to constant idle.

We idle at high idle. In a 12 hour period of idling we burn throw roughly 1/2 tank of fuel, so around 10 gallons in a 12 hour period.

Ford 7.3L Powerstroke

Tizbad · 01-15-2014, 06:53 PM

I actually work for Caterpillar and I use to provide RV Maintenance Seminars for your Caterpillar engine in the early to mid 2000's at the FMCA events. The C7 and 3126 engines will use less than a gal. per hour at idle. This is accurate data, and all prior to todays Tier 4 engines which require some regeneration.

Mr_D · 01-15-2014, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDALLSAILS

Time you stop and pull into a campground or gas station is enough to let the turbo spin down enough. To me the point isn't important because I use 100% Synthetic oils. They have a substantial higher temp range and unless you exceed 400 + degrees F the oil isn't going to coke. Call Shell, Royal Purple, Mobil and ask them. safe travels.... ed

That's what Cummins says too, even without the non-essential expense of synthetic oils.

def · 01-15-2014, 08:00 PM

Idling a diesel engine soots the oil and fill up the particulate filter on newer engines. Also, the new ULS fuels do not have the lubricity they used to. I ad some diesel fuel conditioner to increase fuel lubricity and increase Cetane rating.

Idling is a waste...period.

volvoman · 01-15-2014, 09:39 PM

i leave our wreckers run between 800 & 1000 rpm most times when i stop. either keeps cab warm or cold as needed. i think its better than shutting off for up to 30 minutes at a time. just loads batteries, works starter and alternator to restart. either pay for fuel or repairs. i just wonder how many people will run a generator and not worry about noise but wont run engine?

Passin Thru · 03-02-2014, 03:25 PM

We have a 2006 3406 and we idle it at high idle (1000 RPM) all the time in the winter and in real hot weather. I really don't think it was spool down on older ones but if you shut them off too quick it would melt the turbine blades in the turbocharger or even pistons on CAT. Ours has a clock you set for 15 min and it will shut itself off without the key in it and be cool by then.

TandI Travel · 05-09-2014, 11:40 PM

I just purchased a '98 International 26ft box truck that has a Cat engine. I am storing my household items in it on our property while DW and I become full timers for a couple years. I am new to diesels and was told to make sure to fill both tanks to reduce moisture. I also will be getting some diesel fuel stabilizer. After reading here about idling and loads my question is I am going to have my daughter come out and start it once a month and am wondering how long she should let it idle until the next month? It will be sitting for at least 1 year and I know that's not good for diesels as they like to run. Any suggestion or info is appreciated! ~Tom~