Help Me to Understand Dry Start ?
Let's assume the Cummins 8.3L diesel hasn't been started for a month. When I turn it over - is it dry metal on dry metal on the main bearings and crank? Or is it possible that the main bearings are...
Forum Discussion
wa8yxm wrote:
Regarding warm up time... Of course I drive a gasser. but.. on my rig you start the engine before operating the jacks.. By the tine I up-jacks, release brake and get seat belt buckled.. I'm ready to pull off the site. From there to the "Gate" is usually 5-15 MPH speed limit.. and by the time I am out the gate, engine is ready to HAUL. For a Diesel... Same times apply.
Starting and letting it idle next to me for 30-90 minutes before you pull off site... Bad for the engine. Bad for neighbor relations too.
Completely true-- and applies to ALL brands of modern diesel engines (20 years or newer).
As you suggest, both Caterpillar and Cummins recommend minimal warm up IF you will be using light throttle (i.e. within park, city streets, etc).
Sure, if you are parked at a freeway entrance, warm up (at high idle) until your coolant almost reaches operating temperature. But, at least for us, this condition is rare.
Basically if you can operate at low boost in lower gears, as soon as air pressure is built it is better for the engine (quicker engine warmup)to start driving.
