Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Extended Idle Time.

[HookMeUp]

Now that the weather is getting colder, I will usually let it idle while I run in to pick up my kid from day care, usually only takes about 5 - 10 mins. I know that extended idle time is bad for the 24v. What is considered extended idle time?

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

5-10 minutes? No problem PMcBride, won't hurt anything, especially if it's already mostly warmed up.



Vaughn

 

[HookMeUp]

Thanks Vaughn!

 

[SKneeland]

ive had mine run for weeks at a time without turning it off when the temps get below -50°C

 

[JasonCzerak]

ive had mine run for weeks at a time without turning it off when the temps get below -50°C

8 - 10 hours at idle??



I imagine, out side, in the wind, -50C, even with a block heater on 24/7, + oil heater, maybe even a trans heater. Things would be rough to start and get warmed up.



when it's less then 40F out side on long trips, I'll leave the truck running, window cracked a bit and heat on while I take a nap here and there. Even while getting food for an hour I'll leave it running.



The longest I have run that motor with out shutdown was 52 hours durning a trip from MSP to some place 100 miles west of Denver. 2200 miles later. That's what I call a weekened road trip



One thing I noticed is that when I"m fueling up, the GF will sneak the heat on full blast. in a matter of 10 minutes the engine temp can go from 190 to 150 I try to advoid that with modest temps in the cab when she's locked up and idling in a parking lot.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

ive had mine run for weeks at a time without turning it off when the temps get below -50°C

How do you keep it warm? I've seen posts a few times from the guys up north saying 24-valves and sometimes 12-valves get valve damage from them sticking open and getting smacked by the piston, The crud from cold combustion builds up on the stems and eventually won't let them close.



Vaughn

 

[TowPro]

An exhaust brake does wonders when you let it idle in the cold.



I hear up north they don't even shut off the dozzers when they change the oil in them!

 

[Dfuruness]

Install an electronic high idle control and have no worries. You can set your RMP at 1100 and idle forever if you want. Over 1100 RPM will ensure your combustion temperature remains steady for full fuel combustion...



It is presently -25C where I live and I have had no problems. Just keep that monster warm.

 

[WyattEarp]

I had a thought while reading the posts, now say one could figure out an electrical device or something that after 10-15 mins of idling(24V engine) it would automatically bump the rpms up to 1100-1200 and then when you get in the truck just flip the switch or hit the brake and she idles down to normal idle speed, any of you electrical or computer guru's had this thought cross your mind, i know that some of the newer 24V's have the cold idle options but after it warms up then this device could kick in for extended idle times.

Just a thought or i could be thinking way off base.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Taken from THIS thread

Yes VERY important! Do NOT Idle the truck to warm it up , or at the store etc ... The cylinder temps drop off to about 160 if left idle for say 5 minutes or so. This can lead to (Altho not proven ... yet) Cylinder washdown but more importantly WILL cause varnish deposits to build up on exhaust valves which if left to accumulate too long can cause valves to hang causing a power loss and rough run condition.



The reason is that the injection pump at idle is set to inject enough fuel to maintain a 800rpm idle. With a diesel (Direct Injected) there is not any restriction like throttle plates to make the engine work against itself to generate heat. For a direct injection diesel engine you must put a load against the engine to create heat. I. E Exhaust brake or PTO driven accessory or just plain drive it.



With my Exhaust brake on at idle I can maintain 450-600 all day long (Depending on outside temps. ) And do not run the truck with the heater plugged in as the imersion heater can break from being hot and vibrating in the current flow of the coolant.