Diesel idling
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From: Lenexa, KS
Diesel idling
I have a 2001 F250 4x4 Superduty PSD Long bed / Standard Cab. I have to admit, I have owned F250 HD's for 20 years but this is my first diesel. My question is two-fold: 1) When I start the engine in cold weather ( it might even do it in warm weather), after a certain time it will idle up on its own (I think about 1200 rpm's or so). Is this a feature built into the computerized settings of the engine? If you tap the accellerator it will drop down to the lower rpm range again. This brings me to part 2) I was told by my brother who owns a Cummins 5.9 in a motorhome that idling a diesel for extended times can be harmful to the engine. It had to do with excess fuel going unburnt and washing down the cylinders or something. I've always pictured tractor trailers idling endlessly at rest stops and thought that was natural for a diesel. I don't have the application to let my engine run unattended for long periods but I'm curious if there is any truth to this. If there is, is that why my PSD idles up on its own after a while?? Is this a built in protection?? Any input??
Post Fiend
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From: Denton,TX
Diesel idling
Yes, extended idling is harmful to the engine and can result is fuel washing. Yes, your Power Stroke idles up on it's own after a while to help prevent this. The problem is that it doesn't idle high enough for extended idling. People who have the need to have their truck idling either buy an auxillary idle controller or rig one up on their own. The big rigs don't have the same problem with idling because (from what I've read at another site on the net) they are able to flip a switch to maintain a higher pressure and avoid fuel washing.
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From: Lenexa, KS
Diesel idling
Thanks for the reply on diesel idling, I suspected there was some truth to this. It's only a factor for me in the winter (I live in the midwest) and I sometimes go out and start the engine and come inside for 10-15 minutes to let the heat catch up. How long would be considered to be "excessive" when idling the engine? At what point are you likely to damage your engine? (10 minutes, 20,30, 45 minutes etc.). I would assume there is some safe period for idling as you occasionally sit in traffic jams. Any additional input?? Thanks again
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From: Denton,TX
Diesel idling
Originally posted by jskufan
I sometimes go out and start the engine and come inside for 10-15 minutes to let the heat catch up.
I sometimes go out and start the engine and come inside for 10-15 minutes to let the heat catch up.
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From: Lenexa, KS
Diesel idling
Thanks again for the reply. I usually practice the "start and drive" method. Most of the time the truck is in the garage and if I have to leave it out, I plug it in if I know it will be a cold one. I don't really have the application to let it idle unattended for any period. Most of my interest stems from the fact that this is my first diesel and I want it to last a long time. My last F250 was a 1994 with the 5.8 litre V8 and I sold it to my brother in law in immaculate condition and he's still driving it. It sounds like the diesel is a lot like the gas model as far as upkeep: clean oil, clean air filter, and clean fuel filter and they'll last a long time. Thanks again for your insights!
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: AZ
Diesel idling
YIKES.........
I was under the impression that you could leave the diesels just idling for extended periods of time (Also, for the very reson, they don't overheat when left idling like gassers do).
We always do that. Probably around the thirty minute period....
However, I've never noticed our POWERSTROKE go up on RPM's when left idling. All I hear is a ticking (Or slight click) sound every forty seconds or so. It goes from one tone, to another and so forth... Is this what JSKUFAN is implying?
How much is that auxillary idle controller?
Also, let's say you leave your truck idling for twenty minutes. After those twenty minutes, you get back in your truck and you take off. Should that excessive fuel burn then?
I'd also like to know, what is a safe amount of time you can leave it idling?
KING
I was under the impression that you could leave the diesels just idling for extended periods of time (Also, for the very reson, they don't overheat when left idling like gassers do).
We always do that. Probably around the thirty minute period....
However, I've never noticed our POWERSTROKE go up on RPM's when left idling. All I hear is a ticking (Or slight click) sound every forty seconds or so. It goes from one tone, to another and so forth... Is this what JSKUFAN is implying?
How much is that auxillary idle controller?
Also, let's say you leave your truck idling for twenty minutes. After those twenty minutes, you get back in your truck and you take off. Should that excessive fuel burn then?
I'd also like to know, what is a safe amount of time you can leave it idling?
KING
Last edited by KING; Jul 23, 2003 at 10:36 PM.
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From: Australia
Diesel idling
I'm sure I read a gentleman saying that he idles PSD's between 80 -120 hrs a week .......they were Ambulances and he was a fleet manager of them ..... ???? He was also saying they get heaps of miles outta the engines.
When I worked for an oil company I remember the diesel fitters saying to the drivers of the Mack fuel tankers ...idle for 20 min max and only when warm .... But this was back in early eighties.
They used to get about 700,000 miles outta the turbo six.
My owners manual (aussie version) says idle for 10 minutes minimum after runs at max GVM or after heavy towing.
I use pyro and oil temp gauge ....now
Anthony
When I worked for an oil company I remember the diesel fitters saying to the drivers of the Mack fuel tankers ...idle for 20 min max and only when warm .... But this was back in early eighties.
They used to get about 700,000 miles outta the turbo six.
My owners manual (aussie version) says idle for 10 minutes minimum after runs at max GVM or after heavy towing.
I use pyro and oil temp gauge ....now
Anthony
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From: AZ
Diesel idling
Originally posted by AustralianF250
I'm sure I read a gentleman saying that he idles PSD's between 80 -120 hrs a week .......they were Ambulances and he was a fleet manager of them ..... ???? He was also saying they get heaps of miles outta the engines.
I'm sure I read a gentleman saying that he idles PSD's between 80 -120 hrs a week .......they were Ambulances and he was a fleet manager of them ..... ???? He was also saying they get heaps of miles outta the engines.
I too, do remember reading that somewhere in these forums.
Perhaps those vehicles had the auxillary idler controller added afterwords.
Originally posted by AustralianF250
My owners manual (aussie version) says idle for 10 minutes minimum after runs at max GVM or after heavy towing.
My owners manual (aussie version) says idle for 10 minutes minimum after runs at max GVM or after heavy towing.
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Diesel idling
Extended idling also causes the unburned fuel to collect on the exhaust valve stems and over time will keep the valves from closing. This can lead to bent pushrods, broken rocker arms and possible piston damage. The term for this is "Wet stacking".
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Cocoa Beach, FL
Diesel idling
Dose anybody know of anybody who has actually had a problem because of this? I've also heard if you drink too much Coke that it can kill you. I've owned diesels for years letting them idle for hours and never had a problem. The biggist problem I have is spelling it ie or ei i always have to look.
If there is a problem, then how long can you safely let them idle and what rpm should it be at?
If there is a problem, then how long can you safely let them idle and what rpm should it be at?
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From: East Hampton, NY
Diesel idling
King,
Unless you live in Sedona or some other part of AZ that gets chilly, I wouldn't expect your truck to go into the high idle mode. It only does this when its cold out to help the engine warm up faster. Its actually an exhaust pressure valve or some such that when closed increases the load on the motor. Some guys gut this thing with the idea that even when the valve is open, its restricting exhaust flow somewhat.
As far as the manual, it also says that extended idling is a "severe operating condition", and warrants more frequent (3k) oil changes.
So I guess "wet stacking" is kinda like hydro-locking a gasser?
-Shawn
Unless you live in Sedona or some other part of AZ that gets chilly, I wouldn't expect your truck to go into the high idle mode. It only does this when its cold out to help the engine warm up faster. Its actually an exhaust pressure valve or some such that when closed increases the load on the motor. Some guys gut this thing with the idea that even when the valve is open, its restricting exhaust flow somewhat.
As far as the manual, it also says that extended idling is a "severe operating condition", and warrants more frequent (3k) oil changes.
So I guess "wet stacking" is kinda like hydro-locking a gasser?
-Shawn
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 293
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From: AZ
Diesel idling
Originally posted by SMB
King,
Unless you live in Sedona or some other part of AZ that gets chilly, I wouldn't expect your truck to go into the high idle mode. It only does this when its cold out to help the engine warm up faster. Its actually an exhaust pressure valve or some such that when closed increases the load on the motor. Some guys gut this thing with the idea that even when the valve is open, its restricting exhaust flow somewhat.
As far as the manual, it also says that extended idling is a "severe operating condition", and warrants more frequent (3k) oil changes.
So I guess "wet stacking" is kinda like hydro-locking a gasser?
-Shawn
King,
Unless you live in Sedona or some other part of AZ that gets chilly, I wouldn't expect your truck to go into the high idle mode. It only does this when its cold out to help the engine warm up faster. Its actually an exhaust pressure valve or some such that when closed increases the load on the motor. Some guys gut this thing with the idea that even when the valve is open, its restricting exhaust flow somewhat.
As far as the manual, it also says that extended idling is a "severe operating condition", and warrants more frequent (3k) oil changes.
So I guess "wet stacking" is kinda like hydro-locking a gasser?
-Shawn
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From: Fairbanks Alaska
Diesel idling
I have no idle controller on my truck (plan on getting one someday) Sometimes it idles all night 10hrs at 750 RPM's when its like 40 below or colder. No problems with it 253,000 miles now.
Tyler
95 F-150 302 5 speed
94 F-250 PSD 5 speed
Tyler
95 F-150 302 5 speed
94 F-250 PSD 5 speed