Ideling
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 43
Likes: 12
Ideling
So why do so many diesel owners let their trucks idle so much, talking about when they refuel, sitting there talking to someone, even leaving it running and locked when in a store. Just curious.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 10,873
Likes: 2,761
Only time I let mine idle for a few minutes is is just coming off an interstate after running at speed or towing. I'll let it idle for about 5 min. To let the turbo cool before shutting it off. Keeps turbo bearings happy.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,338
Likes: 255
From: Livermore Ca.
Diesels take a long time to warm up. We like to let the turbos cool before shutting down because the oil stops going to the bearings. I never shut mine off when getting fuel. Its hard on motors starting and stopping all the time. Chicks dig it.
FTE Legend
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 31,968
Likes: 9,197
From: Western NY
The other day I was refueling my truck and on the other side of me was another 11 to 16 gen Super Duty idling as the owner filled his tank. I assumed he was stock because I didn't smell any diesel exhaust fumes but who knows. To me, idling not only wastes fuel, but it's bad for the EGR cooler. But with that said, I will idle when EGT1 is above 400 degrees or if I arrive at my destination while the truck was in active regen to not only cool down EGT1 (the turbo), but to get the regen to stop and get the extra fuel out of the combustion chambers so it doesn't leak past the rings into the oil. I come down a steep hill just before home so my EGTs are cool so there's no need to idle my truck when I get home from work.
But I do start my truck just before I leave for work now because the nights are getting cooler and during the winter, I will start her earlier, especially on really cold mornings to get the oil warmed up and flowing. On the way up the steep hill, I keep it under 2k RPMs and drive slow until the oil reaches 100 degrees. I learned that here so that's what I do. Plus about getting EGT1 to at least 400 degrees and idling the truck when at destination during an active regen.
But I do start my truck just before I leave for work now because the nights are getting cooler and during the winter, I will start her earlier, especially on really cold mornings to get the oil warmed up and flowing. On the way up the steep hill, I keep it under 2k RPMs and drive slow until the oil reaches 100 degrees. I learned that here so that's what I do. Plus about getting EGT1 to at least 400 degrees and idling the truck when at destination during an active regen.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
Only idle to cool it down from towing or a regen. Otherwise you are getting zero miles per gallon.
I would idle it if really cold out and I have kids (grandkids now) and they needed to stay warm.
I would idle it if really cold out and I have kids (grandkids now) and they needed to stay warm.
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 325
Likes: 106
From: SoCal
I idle mine for comfort (heater or A/C) or if I've been towing heavy like others have stated to cool things down.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 10,873
Likes: 2,761
Some diesel owners like the coal rollers with the coffee can exhaust tips (think Dodge) just like to hear their truck run, and usually have straight pipes as well. I put them in same category as the ones who fill up & leave their stereos blasting for everyone in a half mile radius to hear. Totally ridiculous.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,908
Likes: 3,527
From: Uh oh, CA
But, this is my first diesel… so I’m still learning. Seems the emissions stuff makes it more complicated though…
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 426
From: Too close to Houston
These things don't matter a whole lot as our engines, diesel or gas, with a resonable amount of maintenance will outlive the vehicles they're installed in anyway.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 94
From: Delta, CO
I really wish I had an EGT gauge like I did in my 7.3 , I never shut down until it got below 350 & that seemed to work pretty good for 380k miles.