New Diesels

[Longhorn1500]

So, I am about to get my first diesel truck. In the "olden days" diesel engines were left to idle for long periods in order to not cycle them off and on unnecessarily. But in reading this Forum recently, it appears that idling the newer diesel engines is not good for them. I can see an example in my case where I am going to be using my truck for towing a travel trailer, when hooking up before a trip and also when setting up at a campground, that I could be idling the engine for quite a few minutes. So, is it better to stop and start the engine two or three times or just let it idle for 10 to 15 minutes? Thank you!!

 

[Gary Hogan]

My 3500 is in the server department now with regen issues, and we had that discussion. Apparently what’s not good is short trips around town as well as excessive idle time. The “post treatment” system needs highway time to effectively regenerate the DPF. Some idle time is unavoidable, obviously.

 

[turkeybird56]

My 3500 is in the server department now with regen issues, and we had that discussion. Apparently what’s not good is short trips around town as well as excessive idle time. The “post treatment” system needs highway time to effectively regenerate the DPF. Some idle time is unavoidable, obviously.

YUP, even had that issue on MY 15 ED when I had it.

 

[mtnrider]

You can idle it for 10-15 minutes no issue, you can also shut it off and re-start no issue. When people talk about not letting it idle they are talking hours, not minutes.

.

 

[crash68]

^^^^ what he said
I'll leave mine idle when hooking or dropping the trailer, 10-15 minutes no problem.

 

[tjfdesmo]

Idling was never good for diesels. Even old mechanical engines were subject to "wet-stacking" and cylinder washdown.

 

[JayLeonard]

I shut mine off when hooking up, etc. I also do some very short trips.

 

[06 Dodge]

So, I am about to get my first diesel truck. In the "olden days" diesel engines were left to idle for long periods in order to not cycle them off and on unnecessarily. But in reading this Forum recently, it appears that idling the newer diesel engines is not good for them. I can see an example in my case where I am going to be using my truck for towing a travel trailer, when hooking up before a trip and also when setting up at a campground, that I could be idling the engine for quite a few minutes. So, is it better to stop and start the engine two or three times or just let it idle for 10 to 15 minutes? Thank you!!

If your really worried about it sitting at idle for 10-15 minutes other then for cool down, you either shut it off or use high idle option an set the RPMs to 1000...