Display Screen- Idle Hours ???
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From: Isanti, MN
In a nutshell, I would shut it down unless you have concerns about it not starting back up.
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Or any semi engine for that matter. Whenever you leave one idleing for a period of time the first thing you do is set your idle for 1200 RPM. I understand it's also for lubrication purposes and they are completely different engines but the principles the same. Right?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
When asked this before I pulled out the operator's guide for the engine and read what Caterpillar recommended concerning idling. Here's the direct quote from the operator's guide:
Originally Posted by 2006 Model Year Caterpillar C15 Operator's Guide
Avoid excess idling. If the vehicle is parked for more than five minutes, stop the engine. An engine can burn from 2.8L (.7 US gal) to 5.7L (1.5 US gal) of fuel per hour while the engine is idling. Excessive idling can cause carbon buildup and/or excessive idling can ause the engine to slobber. This is harmful to the engine.
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That's interesting. In my book idling involves the engine on, but not moving.
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Cargo Master
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I would think idling would be no throttle input and very low RPM's, whether in drive, neutral, or park. If you are coasting down a hill in drive (tow/haul off) and your RPM's go back to idle with no throttle input I would count that as "idle" even though the vehicle is moving.
Heck, anyone that drives around town is likely always going to be at "idle" the whole time based on the 35mph standard.
I would be curious as to if there is any weight placed on the idle hours. It has been mentioned that the oil monitor timer thingymawatchacallit is based off the timers but what does Ford spec in their diagnostics procedures or anywhere else this number may be in question?
Heck, anyone that drives around town is likely always going to be at "idle" the whole time based on the 35mph standard.
I would be curious as to if there is any weight placed on the idle hours. It has been mentioned that the oil monitor timer thingymawatchacallit is based off the timers but what does Ford spec in their diagnostics procedures or anywhere else this number may be in question?
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From: Houston
Don't shoot me, I am just a messenger,
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Shane
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Green Acres, Ca.
I have 656 hours and 168 idle hours with 17,528 miles. The diesel mechanic at my dealer said that the idle hours are based on a certain RPM. He said the truck with rack up idle hours if you do a lot of bumper to bumper traffic.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Wellington, KS
You guys have some interesting ideas on how the "idle hour" figure is determined. I for sure don't know. If the wife wouldn't have stayed in the store as long as she did I doubt I would have found it on the screen. Too much time on my hands. I'm not saying "idle hours" could be a problem, just thinking out loud and wondering if you guys had an answer.