Extra Things to do regarding the RV?
OK - here's a question for you full timers... We are hoping to become full timers sometime next year if we can dot all the "I"s and cross all the "T's.... Our preferred lifestyle would be to sta...
Forum Discussion
4X4Dodger wrote:ncrowley wrote:
If you are going to sit for months at a time, I would recommend a fifth wheel. You are not supposed to just start up a diesel engine and let it idle. If you want to exercise the engine, you need to get it up to operating temperature and roll the tires. A 30 mile trip will work. If you cannot get the tires rolling, do not start it up.
I am sorry but this is a myth. You can start it up and let it idle for DAYS if need be, but you need a high idle setting which kicks up the idle so the engine will warm up. Most diesels have this built in to their electronic engine controls.
Having said that Diesels are perfectly happy sitting for long periods. But when you do start it it will clatter and rumble a bit more for a few seconds then settle down.
Bottom line is dont worry about it. For the time you will be staying it is your battery you will need to worry about.
I am not an expert but I have done a lot of reading and taken classes. What I have been told by people that supposedly know and work on diesel engines was not to start it unless you were going to drive it at least about 20 miles. They said you want the engine to get up to operating temperature. They said if you are not going to move it, then do not start it. I do not have the knowledge to argue with you or with them. I am just trying to learn as much as I can so I can take good care of the coach. Is there somewhere that talks about this that I could look into?
