Idling Diesels

[windjammer]

I went to the bank yesterday. When I went in, there was a Ford 350 diesel sitting there idling. I was in the bank about 30 minutes. When I came out, the truck was still there idling.

I've seen this all my life and wondered why..?? At truck stops, etc., this is common practice to see this.

This would be more understandable if it were cold weather, but yesterday, it was 80 degrees.

I know there are drivers of 18 wheelers on this forum that can answer my question. Why not just shut them off and save fuel..?

 

[pred]

I leave my Dodge diesel running in the heat or cold when the dog is in there!
I dont know about the big rigs, But I believe that a diesel uses about 1/4 of the fuel of a gasser idling, And with my diesel, Starting throws the govener to full fuel when starting, So a couple minutes idling may save some fuel,,,,,,,
Or maybe they needed it for a quick get away?
I too am curious about the answers to come!
Peter

 

[mississippi revolverman]

Has a Fleet manager this is one of my "pet peeves" also. It is a waste of fuel. Another source of pollution. And adds run hours to the engine.

In Florida it is also against the law to leave an unattended vehicle idling.

In the case you saw my only answer would be to keep the dog cool or a quick get away

 

[Amici]

As a Fleet manager this is one of my "pet peeves" also. It is a waste of fuel. Another source of pollution. And adds run hours to the engine.

In Florida it is also against the law to leave an unattended vehicle idling.

In my state, also. Gas or diesel.

Absent there being someone/thing in the vehicle that needs to be kept warm/cold, an unattended, idling vehicle is almost always an act of the lazy and irresponsible.

I'd love to be there when one of those twits comes out to find a vacant space where they had parked as the car thief they made their car so conveniently accessible to smokes the tires on the way out of the lot.

 

[jbouwens]

Well I am trying to access some dormant brain cells but here goes, In a big rig the fuel system is such that a start up will use more fuel than that of an engine idling for a hour (roughly--depending on the design and size). The rig is often relying on its electrical output while the rig is parked for lights (safety), inside goodies like TV. microwave, DVD, A.C. and crap like that so the engine running will keep the batteries charged. As for as a pickup design, I don't believe there are the advantages with the start up issue as the big rigs have. I know I occasionally leave the car running if I will be in the parts store or something like that for a minute or two to keep the car's A.C. running--my car looses its cool fast. Anyway, hope I am not remembering wrong, it's been a long time since I learned about the non-gas engines- (too many beers since).

 

[bamafan1977]

I asked this same question to a friend of mine just the other day. He drives a Dodge one-ton. He leaves it idling for a few minutes after he has pulled a heavy load to a location. It allows the transmission to cool down a bit.
As far as leaving it idling at a location, say a bank or quick stop at a convience store, he says letting it idle is better than the stress caused by startup.

 

[jbouwens]

I asked this same question to a friend of mine just the other day. He drives a Dodge one-ton. He leaves it idling for a few minutes after he has pulled a heavy load to a location. It allows the transmission to cool down a bit.
As far as leaving it idling at a location, say a bank or quick stop at a convience store, he says letting it idle is better than the stress caused by startup.

Good call bamafan1977, The turbo needs to wind down a bit, (if equipped) so letting it idle for 30 seconds or a minute will take care of it.

 

[cowart]

Why not just shut them off and save fuel..?

Actually, many states also severely limit how much idling time is allowed. See http://www.atri-online.org/research/idling/atri_cabcard7_11_08.pdf for details

I came across estimates of the cost of idling an 18-wheeler as between $5700/hour to $6000/hour, due to both the cost of the fuel and the cost of the extra maintenance.

 

[Spotteddog]

"Old school" urban legend vestige. Back in the day with true "mechanical" injection systems you marginally saved a bit of fuel by idling. With new E-trolled pumps/injection, just the reverse. Poster's above named the best reasons for doing so. I.E.: cold weather (some loose a LOT of heat due to large radiator surface, when idled) In order to keep heater operating while in the bunk, some will even kick them up on high idle by engaging the cruise when parked. A/C, as above. Cool down after runs to allow carry off of turbo heat is always wise. (If you don't, the oil on the turbo shaft bearings can turn to coal)

 

[n4zov]

Some truck stops have installed power systems that let drivers park and connect to local utilities thus eliminating the need for idling. Naturally there is a charge for this service. Here is some information on one system:


"The IdleAire system provides heating, air conditioning and electrical outlets to truck cabs as an alternative to idling. The system also offers many other comforts and amenities of home, including satellite TV, Internet access, movies on demand and phone service.

Many fleets pay for their drivers to use IdleAire's basic services because of the savings in fuel, engine wear and tear, and maintenance. Drivers view the service as a benefit in an industry where turnover exceeds 100 percent. IdleAire also provides a platform for the delivery of driver training in the truck cab, which further reduces fleet expenses. "

http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-32186704_ITM

 

[DJINCO]

Maybe it was to irritate Algore.

It was in Tenn...?

 

[S/W - Lifer]

I drive a Dodge 1 ton turbo-diesel pick-up. The owners manual advises drivers allow a cool down period before turning the engine off. I believe this is to prevent damage to the turbo. No specified amount of time is recommended as this varies with engine temperature. After hauling a load in the summer the engine is going to take longer to return to normal that driving no-load or in the winter. It drives my wife crazy and passengers wonder why I'm waiting to turn the engine off. I like my truck so I try to do the right thing.

Can't speak to the big rigs. Often wondered myself.

 

[animalmother]

Not sure exactly what to think. Leaning towards a waste of fuel.