Turning Engine Off

Discussion in 'Western Star Forum' started by CDLman63, Dec 17, 2020.

  1. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    My first boss said you risk warping a head or popping a head gasket if you shut it off hot.
     
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  3. Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

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    Even if ‘running hard on the highway’ by the time you go down the off ramp, putter into the truck stop, circle the lot looking where to park, back in, the turbo will be cooled off.
     
  4. Hulld

    Hulld Road Train Member

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    Most turbos have full circle plain bearings like what you find in an engine used for a crankshaft.
    Much like a rod bearing the shaft actually spins on a thin layer of oil between the shaft and bearing.
    With that being said there are some turbo manufacturers who use ceramic ball bearings in turbos.
     
  5. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Main reason as mentioned is turbo. It’s not going to blow up or cause sudden disaster. But doing it as a habit repeatedly, will shorten the life of the seal, due to burnt oil buildup, and cause premature failure. Low idling will also cause early bearing failure. It needs to be idled up, so the bearing gets proper lubrication. It all has something to do with the way the bearing and seal work together. If I remember correctly what I’ve read.
     
  6. God prefers Diesels

    God prefers Diesels Road Train Member

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    Turbos absolutely have bearings. Some have regular journal bearings, and some have ball bearings.

    OP, you don't need to "let it idle for five minutes" every time. He's saying don't shut it off after a hard pull. Once oil gets above 300*F, it can start to coke. If you're cruising down the interstate, then spend a few minutes at low speed getting parked at a truck stop or fueling, the turbo has already calmed down. Plus it's likely yours is water cooled anyway, which makes a big difference. You do need to let a turbo cool, but a lot of this is a hold-over from days of yore when it really mattered. Heat soak was harder on babbitt bearings, and oil coked easier. The other place you get coking is at the ring lands, but that's not as bad an issue because it's easier to shed. But then that shedding ends up in your crank case and oil filter.

    That being said, you won't hurt it idling for a couple minutes. Should only help it. I don't even shut my pickups off without idling for at least 30 seconds. But that also doesn't mean you need five minutes every single time. Don't get paranoid about it.
     
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