I've read where it's not advisable to idle a motor home diesel engine for more then 5 minutes or so. I've talked to truckers that never shut off their engines except to change the oil. Other then the obvious cubic inches and horsepower what's the difference in the engines between trucks and motor homes?Thanks

Idling for more than 5 minutes in a campground is kinda annoying. It hasn't got anything to do with your engine.

If your engine has a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) extensive idling can be detrimental. I try to avoid it whenever possible.Pat in Menifee, CA

Difference is Knowledge!A idling diesel will NOT come up to tempIdling a diesel causes unburned fuel to wash down piston cylinder wallsUnburned fuel can get into turbo and/or crank caseNo GOOD reason to idle except to allow motor to cool down after a hard run....which would be 5 minutes or lessIdling at start up is not necessary or worthwhileBy the way.....Size....HP/Torque not much different either

In 1996 I bought a new Dodge with a 5.9 12 valve diesel.It was a 3500 2wd ext cab with a 5 speed manual.I pulled a 34 foot 2 car trailer with it all over the USA.The only time that truck was shut off was when it was home for 5 days at a time.Otherwise it was driven or idled.WHY?in the winter,it ran for heat and in the summer for the A/C when idling.I changed the oil every 10K miles with air filter and the fuel filter every other oil change.I broke that truck in like I stole it and it never used the first quart of oil between changes unless I went over that 10K mile point,then it would use a quart.The only issues I ever had with that truck was a head gasket seep at 400K miles.I had Atlanta cummins replace that head gasket and go thru the fuel pump at the time just for preventative measures.The truck had 740K miles on it when I sold it in 2001.Can't speak for what others think but can speak for what I have witnessed first hand and I have run diesels all my life and still have a 5.9 diesel.

Tinstar wrote:Idling for more than 5 minutes in a campground is kinda annoying. It hasn't got anything to do with your engine.It sure is annoying.

Idling Diesel ?? | Good Sam Community

33 Replies

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2016
Difference is Knowledge!

A idling diesel will NOT come up to temp
Idling a diesel causes unburned fuel to wash down piston cylinder walls
Unburned fuel can get into turbo and/or crank case

No GOOD reason to idle except to allow motor to cool down after a hard run....which would be 5 minutes or less
Idling at start up is not necessary or worthwhile

By the way.....
Size....HP/Torque not much different either
PCarnathan
Explorer
Jul 19, 2016
If your engine has a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) extensive idling can be detrimental. I try to avoid it whenever possible.

Pat in Menifee, CA
Tinstar
Explorer
Jul 19, 2016
Idling for more than 5 minutes in a campground is kinda annoying. It hasn't got anything to do with your engine.

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Idling Diesel ??

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