Idling
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,724
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From: Clarksburg WV
Idling
Ok, I've got to ask about this- Why is everyone under the impression that extended periods of idling aren't "bad" for diesels? Is it just because semi's do it all the time?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
A long time ago it was necessary to idle diesels for extended periods of time because it was difficult to start them up, or they needed a long time to warm up. Today, that is no longer the case, but those old habits and "recommendations" still stick around. The same goes for many other myths that just won't die. One that I still hear all the time is that your seals will leak if you switch your oil to synthetic.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Originally Posted by Pocket
The same goes for many other myths that just won't die.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 990
Likes: 1
From: North Pole Alaska
YES, Its terrible to idle a diesel for long periods of time. Carbon buildup in the turbo and on the valve train can be severe. This causes performance and MPG problems. if you idle up to 1200 RPMs this will help lessen the amount of "load-up" but it doesn't elliminate the problem. The key is to not idle, or idle as little as possible. Another key is to work a diesel, that is what they are built to do. Get the EGTs up enough to burn off the build up.
Originally Posted by i eat hybrids
Ive always heard that it was bad to let a diesel idle? Is that true?
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Rock Hill
What is a long time? I start mine remotely and let run about 10 minutes every cold morning. I have the 08 6.4PSD. Seems the rpm will go to about 1100 after a minute or two. What is your opinion of this habit?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 58
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From: Rock Hill
The 1100 rpm idle stays at 1100 until I step on the brake or shift into gear. I am pretty sure it is not regen as it happens every morning. Is this an engine controlled fast idle for warm up? In gas engines this was called auto choke. How about diesels?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Originally Posted by mnmwhit
YES, Its terrible to idle a diesel for long periods of time. Carbon buildup in the turbo and on the valve train can be severe. This causes performance and MPG problems. if you idle up to 1200 RPMs this will help lessen the amount of "load-up" but it doesn't elliminate the problem. The key is to not idle, or idle as little as possible. Another key is to work a diesel, that is what they are built to do. Get the EGTs up enough to burn off the build up.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 9
From: Ohio
Originally Posted by mnmwhit
YES, Its terrible to idle a diesel for long periods of time. Carbon buildup in the turbo and on the valve train can be severe. This causes performance and MPG problems. if you idle up to 1200 RPMs this will help lessen the amount of "load-up" but it doesn't elliminate the problem. The key is to not idle, or idle as little as possible. Another key is to work a diesel, that is what they are built to do. Get the EGTs up enough to burn off the build up.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 990
Likes: 1
From: North Pole Alaska
need to put it under a load, high boost, higher EGTs
Originally Posted by Mustangbru8
is 2k considered working it? I I try to drive between 1500 and 1800 until it warms up but I am not accelerating too fast, it seems like I am crawling.
