E brake and high idle

[ROADWARRIOR]

Today I wired in a toggle switch to bypass the foot switch for my E brake, so that I could use my throttle stick and E brake for faster warm up. I set the idle at 1200 and engaged the brake. It idled at 600EGT versus the normal 380EGT with just the brake. It was 35 degrees out and was up to temp in about a third of the time that it would take with just the E brake engaged.



Do you guys see any possible harm that this could cause as long as I remember to shut it off once driving?



Thanks, Dan

 

[Steve Campbell]

That might be the best of both worlds!

 

[redneckdr]

e brake and warmup

road warrior..... several other tdr members have reported warming their "babies" up this way. btw, harold bowers sells a high idle kit for $35-45. mine is on the way, hopefully to be installed this w/e. uses a solenoid.

 

[BIG BOB]

With just my BD exhaust brake, I idle at 500 degrees in freezing temperatures. At this point I don't see a need for a high idler.

 

[Steve Campbell]

Big Bob, I too idle a500 deg. plus. My only thought here is that Cummins and others suggest that too much idling (albeit, without an exhaust brake) is hard on a diesel (washing down cylinder walls, rings glazing over, etc. ) With and exhaust brake, this problem goes away (somewhat). Maybe the combination of higher idle and exhaust brake would completely get the engine past all of the negatives of slow, easy operation.



Just a thought!!!

 

[BIG BOB]

Steve,



The issue in not the idle speed, the issue is the heat that the Cummins creates at an idle. It does not create enough heat at an idle (without an exhaust brake on) to stop cylinder wash, ring glazing, etc. The exhaust brake raised the temperature enough where those items previously mentioned are not a concern. IMO, a high idler is not necessary if you use your exhaust brake while idling for and extended period of time.



Big Bob

 

[Steve Campbell]

Thanks Bob. I only have an exhaust brake. After your comments, I won't feel as guilty letting the truck idle with it on.