How Long Is Too Long?

[TBigLug]

To leave your truck idling?

To have your truck plugged in?

 

[CDX825]

Idle is ******* these engine and any diesel engine really. The biggest issue with our engines is the low oil pressure at idle. The second issue is that at idle the engine does not realy run hot enough to burn all of the fuel. Cylinder washing and wet stacking can result from extended idle periods. In order to prevent this EGTs need to be kept above 275 degrees.

As far as keeping the truck plugged in I have never heard of a limit to it. All though does get ******* the electric bill after awhile.

 

[RLDSL]

If you are planning on idling a lot , you need to get a throttle control. One of these things Work best or a simple throttle stick will do the trick, just a little harder to set.

 

[RLDSL]

I might mention a few guys have rigged their cold start solenoids to a switch in the dash with a diode to prevent back feeding the other items in that circuit that come on during normal cold start.

 

[david85]

Idle is ******* these engine and any diesel engine really. The biggest issue with our engines is the low oil pressure at idle. The second issue is that at idle the engine does not realy run hot enough to burn all of the fuel. Cylinder washing and wet stacking can result from extended idle periods. In order to prevent this EGTs need to be kept above 275 degrees.

As far as keeping the truck plugged in I have never heard of a limit to it. All though does get ******* the electric bill after awhile.

I agree with all of that. Only thing I can add about idling is there is also an incresed risk of moisture building up in the engine oil because it doesn't get hot enough to burn off. In really cold weather, my engine will not reach operating temperature just idling at 600 RPM. These engines have an integral oil cooler and that does help, but if you don't get to thermostat temperature, it won't do much.

My owners manual states that 3 hours is needed for the block heater to heat up all the way. but a 1.4 KW heater will be noticed on your electric bill if you leave it on all night.

 

[LCAM-01XA]

I might mention a few guys have rigged their cold start solenoids to a switch in the dash with a diode to prevent back feeding the other items in that circuit that come on during normal cold start.

That would be me, and after modifying the solenoid bracket to hit the throttle arm closer to its pivot (gives it more turn for the same plunger stroke) with the engine all-warmed up I can get about 1100 rpms high idle. As for how long I idle it - well, hours at a time sometimes, gotta keep warm while taking a 2- or 3- hour nap at the rests stops - I usually park near the big trucks and as far away as possible from the 4-wheelers, this way my engine noise sorta blends with the one from all the APUs and it don't bother no one.

 

[Alex S]

yea you need to bump up the idle a few 100 rpm, I know a couple drivers and there rig have a switch for high idle for when they leave the engine running all night ither for AC or heat. funny after 1 nights rest in a big rig you don't even here the engine anymore