Extra Things to do regarding the RV?

ncrowley wrote:

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?

I understand. But this is still a bit of old wives tale. There is some truth imbedded in it however.

If you start up a diesel and dont let it run long enough at a high enough idle setting to actually warm up then moisture in the oil pan will not get hot enough to steam away. That moisture can cause problems including acidifying the oil. If done REPEATEDLY over a long period it can be harmful. But for a short period once in a while it will be fine, as long as it gets run well at some point.

Diesels love to work. But the mechanicals of the engine are happy to high idle for long periods too.

I have owned diesels as class 8 trucks for much of my life (as a sideline to my "real" career) and grew up in a family business of trucking. I watched my first overhaul when I was about 10. Diesels have changed dramatically since then and the newer ones are less susceptible to all the old bugaboos of the older ones and will go many many more miles.

Getting any engine up to operating temperature before working it is a good idea, but not really necessary.

If the engine can be left off then do so. There really is no need to start it at all. (for the engines sake)