Diesel Engine Idling

[mustangcrazy90]

Ok here it goes. I may get a few jeers from this but so be it. Diesel engines in general do not need to be idled. Its an old wives tale i say. You do not warm up the engine any quicker nor do you save fuel!! The way a diesel is designed the longer you let it run the cooler the engine temp gets. Plus you could let it ilde forever but if you want heat, drive it because thats when you generate heat the quickest. This also cross' over into the land of EGR valves and the such. Not to spend much or anytime on that, but everyone I hope knows that you need to use the correct fuel and oil. But mainly I believe that a majority of EGR issues i've seen are from people who idle the vehicle excessively. I know a company that lets their diesels idle for atleast 45 minutes in the morning. Guess what they have had 2 egr valves due to excessive soot build up from the idling. See when a diesel idles, the exhaust temperature cools down, in return this allows an excessive accumulation of soot to be built up in the exhaust system which in return travels to the EGR cooler and vavle. I have no idea why there hasn't been a bulletin for this concern but I feel that one should be started. Since telling many people to stop idling their vehicle i've seen a drop off in egr issues. The fuel quality in the states is also an issue but so is idling. A diesel does not need to be idled. it is not the best for the engine internally adn for the soot build up issues as well. The top compression ring seals at its best when it is driven with rpm's higher then idle. The cummins diesel in the dodge trucks is having the same issues. TOO many people drive them as daily drivers and idle the day lights out of them. They clog the turbos and egr valves as well. We can look to see the times that people spend in differet RPM ranges in order to see why things are clogging up, NO we can't on the sprinter. But the last cummins engine that came in with the turbo being clogged had over 45% of the engines running time between 700-900rpm. THIS IS ALL IDLE time. So i'm not posting this to scold anyone but just as a friendly reminder that a diesel engine doesn't need to be idled or left running when going into the store or anything else. You can create some of your own issues if this is done.

[BBlessing]

good point, and well taken. i believe the owners manual says somewhere to not warm up the engine, rather to start it up and drive. my van has the fuel fired aux heater and the electric heater booster so this is not an issue for me.

bb

[Nhuskys]

I saw another thread on this and I've been careful not to idle my van. Thanks for the info.
Norman

[gerrym51]

Ok here it goes. I may get a few jeers from this but so be it. Diesel engines in general do not need to be idled. Its an old wives tale i say. You do not warm up the engine any quicker nor do you save fuel!! The way a diesel is designed the longer you let it run the cooler the engine temp gets. Plus you could let it ilde forever but if you want heat, drive it because thats when you generate heat the quickest. This also cross' over into the land of EGR valves and the such. Not to spend much or anytime on that, but everyone I hope knows that you need to use the correct fuel and oil. But mainly I believe that a majority of EGR issues i've seen are from people who idle the vehicle excessively. I know a company that lets their diesels idle for atleast 45 minutes in the morning. Guess what they have had 2 egr valves due to excessive soot build up from the idling. See when a diesel idles, the exhaust temperature cools down, in return this allows an excessive accumulation of soot to be built up in the exhaust system which in return travels to the EGR cooler and vavle. I have no idea why there hasn't been a bulletin for this concern but I feel that one should be started. Since telling many people to stop idling their vehicle i've seen a drop off in egr issues. The fuel quality in the states is also an issue but so is idling. A diesel does not need to be idled. it is not the best for the engine internally adn for the soot build up issues as well. The top compression ring seals at its best when it is driven with rpm's higher then idle. The cummins diesel in the dodge trucks is having the same issues. TOO many people drive them as daily drivers and idle the day lights out of them. They clog the turbos and egr valves as well. We can look to see the times that people spend in differet RPM ranges in order to see why things are clogging up, NO we can't on the sprinter. But the last cummins engine that came in with the turbo being clogged had over 45% of the engines running time between 700-900rpm. THIS IS ALL IDLE time. So i'm not posting this to scold anyone but just as a friendly reminder that a diesel engine doesn't need to be idled or left running when going into the store or anything else. You can create some of your own issues if this is done.

I can't speak for pre 2007 diesels but 2007 and post diesels excessive idling clogs the DPF
much quicker and causes many active regenerations which use up fuel


gerry:thinking:

[sikwan]

Thanks Mustang! :thumbup:

[cedarsanctum]

Well said.
And true of any engine, gas or diesel. Huge waste of fuel and harmful to the engine for both.
The Prius gets good city mileage because it turns off the engine at every chance it gets, even coasting down hill.

[mustangcrazy90]

I can't speak for pre 2007 diesels but 2007 and post diesels excessive idling clogs the DPF
much quicker and causes many active regenerations which use up fuel


gerry:thinking:

Yes you are correct. Idling on 2006 and below doesn't have as many issues. However soot accumulations on older sprinters did cause egr valve issues as well. But so I don't have to get frustrated with another customer about the idling issues, please spread the word. Call Chrysler and they will state the same. Use the right oil and fuel. Dont be afraid to get into the gas pedal and give her a good clean out. If you own a new 6.7 cummins in a dodge. Dont idle either. Dont buy a diesel if you are only driving it light duty iwth no load. Its not a daily driver! Its a work vehicle! Good luck to all!

[kendall69]

Sorry, but I have no choice but to idle. Here in the Desert it get to 125 degrees and above so whne you wait around in the vehicle you have to idle with the air on or you will sweat to death. I'm sure other have the same problem in cold country.

[mustangcrazy90]

Does the use of the vehicle or your job permit you to have to stay sitting in the vehicle? In traffic idling, thats a given and I can understand, but do you have to idle the vehicle while your not in it? Do you have a 2007 2008 sprinter with a diesel? if so have you had issues with the egr valve or the such yet?

[kendall69]

None with mine and I idle for at least an hour a day, 2007 not egr problems.

[jdcaples]

I don't intentionally idle my engine, but I do spend probably 45 - 75 minutes at stoplights per week.

Seattle hasn't had more than a handful of days over 70 this year. My engine rarely gets up to "operating" temperature....

If I have an EGR issue, I've not noticed it.

-Jon

[mary-m]

Hi guys not posted a lot but must add a comment to the post
my sprinter has just hit 103,000 miles with no problems with engine or
dpf at all , just had the sensor replaced on the crankshaft and the seal on the
diff was leaking .
I idle sometimes for 6 to 10 hours 2 to 3 times a week not through choice
but to keep heater and electrics working as sleep out in van when driving long distances
It drives as well now as it did when new ..
I am not saying its a good thing and if I can I dont do it
but no problems here as yet (lease hire due to change soon)
-- Ian

[mustangcrazy90]

I believe based on where it says you live, UK, your fuel may be a bit better and idling doesn't as hurt as much. It seems its the states fuel that creats the soot when idling. Not sure exactly but oh well. Hope the vehicle lasts you for as long as you need.

[PLUMMER]

Thanks for the update and good info about the issue or possible issues. I will be eliminating the idleing from now on. Its because I'm lazy or in a hurry thinking , I'll only be in there for a minute. Then the customer talks your head off for the next 20-30 minutes.