Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cold Weather Idling?

[JasonMull]

I have a quick question for all you cold weather diesel operators... On cold (below freezing) days it is desirable for me to sometimes be able to hop in my truck an warm up for a bit and maybe eat lunch (especially on winter hunting trips).



I definitely don't want to damage it by extended idling in cold temps. My truck is an 01 24v 4x4 with auto trans. I don't have any use for an exhaust-brake (for braking purposes).



I've read about the brick/stick on the pedal high idle solution, various commercial options and also TSB 18-019-01.



Is high idle enough to keep my truck happy in the cold, or is engine load really necessary?



If loading is necessary, how can I do it without just putting it gear? ... shove potato in exhaust?



Thanks,



Jason

 

[TinyInOhio]

As long as the idle is above 1200 rpms you will be fine. Mine has idled for over 2 hours with no ill effects. When you get in to drive it, drive it hard to burn off any deposits that may have collected. And I do not load my engine, just engage the high idle.

 

[SnoKing]

I have a quick question for all you cold weather diesel operators... On cold (below freezing) days it is desirable for me to sometimes be able to hop in my truck an warm up for a bit and maybe eat lunch (especially on winter hunting trips).



I definitely don't want to damage it by extended idling in cold temps. My truck is an 01 24v 4x4 with auto trans. I don't have any use for an exhaust-brake (for braking purposes).



I've read about the brick/stick on the pedal high idle solution, various commercial options and also TSB 18-019-01.



Is high idle enough to keep my truck happy in the cold, or is engine load really necessary?



If loading is necessary, how can I do it without just putting it gear? ... shove potato in exhaust?



Thanks,



Jason

My potato (Banks EB) comes out at 140 degrees and goes back in automatically if it drops below that.



SNOKING

 

[Hohn]

Mine has idled for over 2 hours with no ill effects.

With all respect, I'm not sure you'd know if there were any ill effects or not. Those deposits might not burn off.

In fact, there was a TSB from Cummins put out describing how excessive idling had cause bent pushrods (pushtubes in Cummins lingo) from valve deposits building up.

There was no mention of cold weather, so this could happen even in warmer temps.



If I had an auto trans truck, I'd let it idle in gear so the transmission would load the engine a bit. This will keep EGT warmer to prevent buildup. It will also help keep the trans warm.

With my 6-speed, I just try to avoid idling if I can, and if not, I stick a section of 2x4 on the pedal to bring RPM up to 1500 or so.

 

[JasonMull]

With all respect, I'm not sure you'd know if there were any ill effects or not. Those deposits might not burn off.

In fact, there was a TSB from Cummins put out describing how excessive idling had cause bent pushrods (pushtubes in Cummins lingo) from valve deposits building up.

There was no mention of cold weather, so this could happen even in warmer temps.



If I had an auto trans truck, I'd let it idle in gear so the transmission would load the engine a bit. This will keep EGT warmer to prevent buildup. It will also help keep the trans warm.

With my 6-speed, I just try to avoid idling if I can, and if not, I stick a section of 2x4 on the pedal to bring RPM up to 1500 or so.

Is it bad to keep the trans in drive for long periods while remaining stationary?

 

[Hohn]

I don't know that it would cause any harm if the transmission temps don't get too high. In cold weather, trans temps should not be a problem just idling.

Now, if you are brake torquing the engine and taking it up to 2500rpm against the converter, then I'd think the temps will be toasty quickly.

jh

 

[Valv]

I know there will be many arguing this but mine has over 200,000 miles and I let it idle for long periods, especially now when cold.

I pulled MAP sensor twice to clean it up and it barely has any deposits.



Matter of fact I don't baby mine too much, 53 block from new, original IP, always idle (much better than cold take off), 200,785 miles, few mods but mainly it's a work truck, it didn't have an easy life, it belonged to a concrete company in Kansas City before I've go it at 150,000 miles... . it was never washed since new :--)



Call me lucky but sometimes I think we forget these are work trucks not pretty rice burners... .

 

[SnoKing]

I think my brakes would revolt after awhile holding the aftermarket TC back. And heat would be an issue. Stop and go traffic tells me that! SNOKING