How long can I let it idle?

[LDeane]

Did a search, but didn't really see an exact answer. . .



This is my first post, I just got a new 2004. 5 2500 CTD 6-speed over the weekend. I have a few situations where it would be nice to let it idle with A/C or heat for 15-20 minutes. I noticed in the owners manual it says to not let them idle for extended periods of time, but doesn't really say how long this is. I DON'T want to mess up my engine.



Would it be safe to let it idle for 15-20 minutes? Am I going to do any engine damage?



Thanks! Great place, and look forward to learning and hopefully sharing some info as I come up to speed on my new truck!



- LDeane

 

[Rosco]

LDeane,



Welcome to the TDR.



Do a search using "idleing" as the keyword and search 3rd gen forums only and you will get 23 hit's back. Not all 23 will answer your question but a few will.



Rosco.

 

[MLee]

LDeane;

On a new engine this is a very bad practice. takes the temper out of the rings, dilutes motor oil with raw fuel. the engine will not get warm, just idling. a diesel is an air pump, nothing in there to cause a restriction on air getting in, hence no compression on slowing down. What is recomended, bring up oil pressures and check all gages, to see if every thing is working properly, and drive moderately tell all temperatures are at the proper level. NO JACK RABBIT starts, no full throttle while still cold. and as the manual states on content speed till broke in, but after it is driven the recommended distance, ( 500) MI then put some RPM in the engine. I always recommend reading the owners manual throughly and under standing it. usually your answers are found there.

How ever not all will agree with this. Opinions are like arm pits, everyone has one.

Marv.

 

[JHardwick]

This is my second CTD and I always "big rig" it. Never had a problem related to extended idles and I've idled 'em for prolly an hour or so ... ... ... yanno, got to catch up on all the gossip at the local stop in the morning over a cup of coffee, lol.



One thing I always do after that is to run the dog snot out of it

 

[DougR]

After break in,I am sure that will not be a problem. 15-20 mins is nothing.

 

[mklucas]

Yes, after break in it wouldn't be a problem. But I saw a post last week, from someone who had contacted a cummins rep. about the break in procedure, and I remember reading in his reply among other things, "DO NOT LET IDLE FOR MORE THAN 5 MINS. DURING BREAK IN!"



I knew a guy in Colorado who would let his truck run overnight during the winter. This was back in the 80's and I was real young, but I remember him saying it was cheaper to just leave it running.