Starting a diesel for only a few moments...Bad?

[JUeckert]

i personally wouldnt use the fire depts practice. this being said, i would be less concerned with the acid and moisture buildup, then i would with the wear that goes along with cold startups. if i ran the dept, and was useing this practice, i would do my best to make use of block heaters, or some type of synthetic oil. carbon or acid buildups is less likely now, then it was just a few years back, due to the newer fuel and oils we now have.

 

[Skydiver]

Good point JUeckert. I do believe the moisture will cause rust/pitting.
The best route I see is for an oil analasys to be performed. Might change some stubborn minds.

 

[JUeckert]

yep, that moisture can sure be an issue. dont know if ya'll keep those trucks in a climate controlled shop, or if they are subject to the swings in the weather from the temps and humidity. best i can remember from passing through alabama years ago, the humidity in that region was just as bad as in my home region. high humidity only adds to the moisture issue short run engines experience.