Safe to idle for 15-20 minutes at a time?

[ScottRoberts]

I was going to start a separate thread, but I'll ask the question here. I got in the habit of letting the engine cool down before shutting it off on my '03, something I continue to do today. Whether it's driving to work, the grocery store, wherever. I couldn't even say if it was necessary on my '03, probably something I read way back when regarding oil coking. I used to wait for egt to get to ~350* on the '03, I usually shut the '16 under 400*. What's the consensus on the 4th gens? Worth it or a waste of fuel/time? This is in regards to everyday driving, not after towing.

 

[KATOOM]

My understanding has always been, if you're using conventional oils then you want to get as close to 300* as conveniently possible, and if you're using synthetics then 400*. However long it takes to get to those numbers while idling will depend on driving conditions and ambient temperature, and if the AC is on.

 

[2013megacab]

My 2013 manual has a cool down recommendation, length of time depending on immediate past driving history. I think it was 5 minutes for highway speeds/towing.

Al

 

[ScottRoberts]

My 2013 manual has a cool down recommendation, length of time depending on immediate past driving history. I think it was 5 minutes for highway speeds/towing.

Al

After reading this, I remembered seeing something similar in my manual back when I bought the truck. Looks like there is a chart showing idle time before shutdown for a given driving condition/load in the diesel supplement manual. What has my interest now is next to this chart, it says there is an idle shutdown feature that can be enabled by a dealer. May have to do some research on this, curious if it has to be activated similar to using the cruise controls for high idle, or if it just shuts off anytime it's idling in park for 5 minutes (or however long it's programmed for).

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

Ain't gonna hurt a dang thing.

 

[KATOOM]

FCA has a idle time "clock" in the ECM to report idle time. Hmmmmm

We can see our idle time on the EVIC

I ran across a thread which pertains to this very topic... Might be interested to read what other members are discovering about what they dont know.
https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/2013-general-discussion/2475229-warranty-fca-watching-you.html

 

[Newsa]

I am sharing my UOA. It is my first and only UOA. Fuel dilution is critical so I will be changing the oil this weekend.

3616 miles on the oil. Almost no metal and the viscosity is not that low IMHO.

Still changing this weekend as recommended.

 

[JRutzen]

If the system is in regen, the ECM will do what it has to in order to complete the regen. If it can't, it just suspends it until conditions can be met.

I locked myself out of my truck at the post office once. The truck was idling, only running to check the PO box. I waited for my wife for about 4 hours to come rescue me with her keys.
The truck even went into a regen cycle while I waited. No apparent damage incurred and I now double check for my keys before I shut the door.

 

[akbob]

As Retired Heavy Equipment Operator, we always left our diesel equipment and trucks (personal and company) running and idling around the clock in the winter (sub zero temps) and often had extended idles in the summer depending on the job without any damage to the engines.

I understand the OP's concern being a new truck owner, but I think the idle thing is less of a concern than some people have been led to believe. I would not be concerned about 20 minutes of idle time, keep your family cool, or warm and enjoy your new toy!

 

[TCDiesel]

I am sharing my UOA. It is my first and only UOA. Fuel dilution is critical so I will be changing the oil this weekend.

3616 miles on the oil. Almost no metal and the viscosity is not that low IMHO.

Still changing this weekend as recommended.

I would not get to alarmed on 1 OA, change it out and sample again at 3K miles. I take it you have fumoto Valve, also whats your procedure taking the sample.

 

[JR]

8% is pretty high, especially for such low mileage.
How many hours?

 

[RVTRKN]

I'll post my 2 cents worth in, high idle feature is not a perfect answer to extended idle times, however unless your in Arctic temperatures, you need not worry. I have high idle feature on my 07 C&C, that was included in the PTO option, I use it for extended periods of run time. I have not heard mention of the Certified Idle certifacates, that are now on commercial vehicles, and they allow extended run times per emissions.

Idle for extended run times is not recommended, you can prove this yourself by running extended idling after full temps have been reached, and your coolant temps will drop significantly. But running at high idle (for me, 1500 RPM) the coolant temps will rise close to normal. I know this because I always warm up with high idle. I also have fogotten to turn truck off, running normal idle for EGT cool down purpouses. and I saw coolant temps way below normal. Your engine was designed to run at a certain temp, and running below temps can be harmfull.

 

[Newsa]

I would not get to alarmed on 1 OA, change it out and sample again at 3K miles. I take it you have fumoto Valve, also whats your procedure taking the sample.

Thanks for your input. I wasn't alarmed because the viscosity wasn't in a danger level.

I am changing it out as suggested probably tomorrow, or Saturday. They said to sample at 1800-2000, so I will just in case it is an injector-related issue.

No fumoto valve. I sample from the return line of the bypass filter to the valve cap.

 

[Newsa]

8% is pretty high, especially for such low mileage.
How many hours?

I have 8 total idle hours. In almost 5 years. If you believe my EVIC. LOL

I could post a picture to prove it if you want. Idle hours counter has not moved in months.

Something like 2060 drive hours.

 

[TCDiesel]

OK......Fluke samples happen at times, I had High sodium in one sample but it was related to what I did , I did NOT spray the fumoto with brake cleaner before taking the sample it was the chemicals MNDOT sprays on the wintry roads.

 

[Newsa]

running below temps can be harmfull.

This would be hard to dispute. And I doubt you have to be in cold ambient temps for the coolant temps to drop.

 

[Newsa]

OK......Fluke samples happen at times, I had High sodium in one sample but it was related to what I did , I did NOT spray the fumoto with brake cleaner before taking the sample it was the chemicals MNDOT sprays on the wintry roads.

And I bet Blackstone wouldn't even detect more than 4% fuel in oil.

 

[RVTRKN]

I was given a Toyota Tercel back many many moons ago, that my buddy couldn't pass Comifornia smog with. So I took it on as a project, and the first thing I found was the cooling fan sensor was unpluged causing it to run continuous. Thus ruining the motor, as he saved the cost of replacing the fan sensor, at the cost of the motor. If I remember correctly he told me he did that two years before through two winter seasons as well. I sold it to a single mother that needed cheap transportation, after replacing the motor with a Japanese imported long block.

 

[SnoKing]

I wouldn't leave me truck idle in a place with that many shotgun shells around OP what's up with those shells ?




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I see brass also. Looks like a lot of areas North of Phoenix.

 

[JR]

I have 8 total idle hours. In almost 5 years. If you believe my EVIC. LOL

I could post a picture to prove it if you want. Idle hours counter has not moved in months.

Something like 2060 drive hours.

I was referring to hours on that oil change, it tends to paint a better picture along with the mileage as to how the engine is run.
Really just curiosity more than anything.