Best idle practices?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by GiantBeard, Nov 7, 2015.

  1. GiantBeard

    GiantBeard Medium Load Member

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    I'd like to know how long to idle my truck when starting and stopping.

    Should I warm up to full operating temperature (130°f) before moving the truck at all, or just on trips?

    Should I wait for it to drop to that temp before turning off the engine too?

    I've been told a lot of things from a couple people who seem to be at odds about all this warm up/cool down nonsense.
     
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  3. Straight Stacks

    Straight Stacks Paper Cha$er

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    This is one of the most commonly held myths in North America concerning diesel engines. Most engine manufacturers recommend that newer diesel engines run for no more than 3 minutes before driving. Gelling of diesel fuel used to be a problem, but refiners have worked to resolve this issue by creating winter blends that better withstand colder temperatures.
     
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  4. mountaingote

    mountaingote Road Train Member

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    The engine builders say by the time you get the air built up its ready to go
     
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  5. GiantBeard

    GiantBeard Medium Load Member

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    So its fine to just go?

    When I wait to warm it up, my oil pressure flucuates until it hits temp. I didn't know if that was normal, so figured I should just wait it out.
     
  6. d281833

    d281833 Heavy Load Member

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    They also say 50,000 miles between oil changes, don't think I'm sold on either of them...
     
  7. Straight Stacks

    Straight Stacks Paper Cha$er

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    That's running synthetic and I agree w/u...still too long. I change mine every 14,000-16,000.
     
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  8. truckon

    truckon Swamp Thing

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    Guess Im behind the times, every vehicle I own I let warm up before driving. Even in the summer
     
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  9. Straight Stacks

    Straight Stacks Paper Cha$er

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    This "theory" applies to newer trucks. I'm w/u. My Pete idles before its ran.
     
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  10. GiantBeard

    GiantBeard Medium Load Member

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    As far as oil goes, in trying to change it every 15,000. I kind of freaked out when my dipstick was a gallon low after being fine for a couple weeks. My mechanic told me its normal when I'm due for service.

    If only it were just the oil that needed changing though.....

    I'm playing clean up after the previous driver. Two dead batteries and the starter died on the floor of the shop.
     
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  11. Straight Stacks

    Straight Stacks Paper Cha$er

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    Best place for that to happen.
     
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