Diesel idling info meeded

[mrp]

can someone please explain the things i'm hearing about short trips, daily driver, keep it running, etc etc. etc...i'm sure there is some validity to this and i would like to hear the rational and pro/con on keeping this monster runnin all the time rather than shuttin down and restartin.

Thanks

 

[DaveBen]

That was in the past. Now it makes sense to shut it off if you are waiting for something. Air pollution is the big concern today, not keeping the air conditioning going. If you live in a cold climate (like Alaska) then it makes sense to keep it running in the cold. There is a local city near by that has regulations on the books that makes it a fine to leave a diesel (any diesel) idling while unloading.

Dave

 

[DaveBen]

By the way mrp, to Super Duty Diesel!!!

Dave

 

[bushpilot]

tell us what year your talkin' 'bout and we can provide you a little more
detail...welcome and please fill out your signature so we can address model
year specific questions.

idling is a thing of the past for the newer diesels...for the
most part...extended idling especially in the winter can
cause "wet stacking" which can cause soot build up in the
egr valve, egr cooler and dilution of engine oil (w/ fuel).

extended idling should be minimal w/ the 6.0 and newer engines,
and it shouldnt be done unless an idle controller <which increases
the idle and reduces the wet stacking> is used.

w/ newly forumlated LSD & ULSD the waxing (in winter) is reduced
and unless your in extended sub freezing temps theres really no
need to idle <for lengthy periods of time>.

w/ the 6.0 at least you should employ the use of a block heater (a timer
helps)...a maximum of 3 or 4 hrs before you intend to start the truck...
when i was living in virginia i had no problems <w/out the block heater>
starting the truck after it sat over night even into the teens. (f).

many of owners TRY not to shut their truck down w/out at least a
few seconds (15-60) of idling...im in a HOT climate now and during the
summers i try not to shut the truck off above 400* (f) egt...it would
take me 15min of idling to see 350* (f) egt most days.

60 seconds or so should be plenty of time to let the turbo spin down
and make sure that new/fresh/cooler oil has lubricated the turbine
bearings...if youve had a lengthy (or HOT) run a longer idle/spin
down time should be considered.

again mostly opinions (of mine) and generalizations....others will
agree/disagree on finer details / model years im sure.