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Idling Questions

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280hp BD torque plate

Fuel Mileage?

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I've got some questions regarding long idle times with the cummins.

Is it bad for my motor to have it idle for long periods of time while recharging the
batts on the fifth wheel, or just taking a nap with the air/heater on?

When charging, should I be running higher rpms than just an idle?

If so, are there any devices available for controlling the idle and holding it at an increased rpm?

Lastly, does anyone have any estimates regarding fuel consumption at idle?

Thanks for the help guys.

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Anxiously waitin' for my 2001. 5 2500, QuadCab, 4X4, LB, HO, 6 spd, 3. 55 sure grip, SLT+, Agate leather... Ordered 9/5, I'll update when it gets here.

[This message has been edited by waterbrain (edited 09-11-2000). ]

[This message has been edited by waterbrain (edited 09-11-2000). ]
 
Running the engine for extended periods at idle is not susposed to be good for it.
Yes your generator will put out more power at faster idle. Will also help out engine.
Yes TDR had article about this device most larger trucks have as standard feature. Will look up in past TDR publications see if I can find it. Members way up North are probably using them. Some of these guys never turn off the engine during the winter.
Don't know this one TDR mite have info on it. The big rigs can use 1 gal or more an hour.
Have you got generator on 5th?(diesel)
Probably not if your charging batteries.
 
That seems mighty spendy for an idle control, and if the control pendant is like the one in the photo (huge) I'd rather rig up my own device!

I've been wondering about tapping into the wiring that goes to the TPS, and maybe hook a potentiometer that could be switched in place of the TPS wiper. Then with the flip of a switch the potentiometer would then act as the throttle, and simply turning the knob would adjust RPM. Certainly can't be that difficult to engineer, for less than $300 for sure!! Cannonball, here's your next project!!!

Vaughn
 
I made a manual idle control out of dowel rod for less than $5. Works great. I,too, would like to know how much fuel the Cummins consumes at idle.

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99 3500 QC 4X4 5sp 3. 54 K&N air filter, DiPricol gauges, 275 hp injectors, Pacbrake, Westin nerfs, GN hitch, Tekonsha Brake controller, Mopar seat covers, Husky mats, silencer ring removed, Draw-tite front receiver
 
I have one of the idle control boxes from DSG, but don't have it installed yet. Got it from Kennedy Sales & Service in Wi. for 245. +shipping. The control box mts. under dash, is about 3" x 5" x 1 1/4" . All you have exposed are 2 switches.
Larry.

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Y2K 3500 QC,SLT,4X2,White, 6spd,3. 54 lsd,Banks Stinger +,Pacbrake,Pilar mt. EGT & Boost,Amsoil air filter,all amsoil lube w/BMK-15 filter system,MagTec rear cover,putco boss rbs. w/ rear ext. &flaps,20K reese,100 gal. aux. fuel,fold up T cover,5K airlift bags w/comp. ,ranger 2950 cb pushing palomar 225 amp,phantom radar det.
 
I made one for my '47 Dodge dump truck with a old manual choke cable and knob. You could probably could buy a new one for $10,I can think of aleast couple ways to attach it to a Cummins. A brick works pretty good also.
 
I bought an adjustable bracket at Sapp's truck stop. This gadget fits on one end under the dash and the other holds the accelerator down and is adjustable to any rpm you want. The cost? Less than $10.

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98. 5 24v 3500 2wd 3. 54 lsd pyro & boost in A pillar DD1's E-brake by Jacob U. S. Gear over/direct O'Reilly Air Horns 105 gal aux tank 35' Prowler 5th wheel with three slides Firestone air helper springs
 
All I did for a fast idle, was go to the local parts store and buy a idle stop solenoid(AKA fast idle solenoid, A/C compensator solenoid!) from a mid to late 70"s GM vehicle. I took off the black plastic cover and made up a little bracket to mount on the front of the setup and push forward on the throttle arm which in turn sets up the idle speed, adn it is adjustable with the help of a 1/2" wrench!!! Sound kinda hokey, but all I have to do is flip a switch, goose the throttle, and instantly I have my 1400 RPM fast idle!!! If anyone wants pics, I can take some and post them sometime!!!

Mike #ad


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'99 Ram 2500HD, ISB, 5spd,2wd, quad cab, Long box "it's a real long truck!" Drifwood, agate interior, after 24,000 miles, diesel fumes definitely do not make me horny!!!!Bombed with the VA box and 275 Hp. injectors, want more, but ran outa money!!!:(
'68 Plymouth Valiant Signet 4 dr w/ turbocharged and EFI'd 225 slant six!
'70 Dodge Dart swinger, in full apart mode awaiting time to be worked on! Soon to have either a blown or turbo'd 225 slant six!!!
'92 Dodge Dakota club cab,5. 2 Lt V8,4wd, "more and more paint ends iup on the ground each day!!!!"
 
HEy deepsix that sound like a good way of setting up the high idle i sure would be intrested in some pics and details of that set up.
 
My understanding of the reason why you should not idle more than 10 minutes is that the temperature difference between the pistons and cylinders will allow excessive fuel washing thus contaminating and blackening the oil.

Anyone know if this is correct, or is there another reason.

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99' Qcab, 4x4, auto, chrome nerf bars, VA, Boost elbow, DiProcal Pillar mount gauges,
 
Deepsix,

I would be interested in more details of your setup. I had actually thought of doing something like you did, but was not sure how to work out the details. Any pics and or part numbers? Thanks.

Shelby
 
Any info on fuel usage at idle/fast idle? Thanks again.

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Anxiously waitin' for my 2001. 5 2500, QuadCab, 4X4, LB, HO, 6 spd, 3. 55 sure grip, SLT+, Agate leather... Ordered 9/5, I'll update when it gets here.
 
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