unnecessary idleing

Sez Hoo! wrote:

Greentow wrote:
40 years driving oil burners, all types, and many different makes. Cummins, Cat, International,GM. Diesel's need enough time to get OIL PRESSURE to a standard, AIR PRESSURE to a minimum (if so equipped), and then roll. Here's a question for those who believe 5-30 minutes of idle time is needed... Should I idle my fire truck until operating temperature is reached, or the same with my ambulance????? I think not. There is no difference in the engines, just more stuff on my emergency vehicles. Think about that the next time you fire up your diesel. OH, and mine costs a minimum of $500,000 to replace

And when ever your fire truck or ambulance should break down, does the money come out of your pocket for repairs or is someone else writing the check, like the taxpayers? If the people parked next to me want peace and quiet even after the usual quiet time 11pm to 7 or 8am then maybe they should find some other place to park. Its my engine its my money that will be used to fix it so I'll do what I feel is necessary. I spent my life in the Coast Guard around all kinds of Diesel engines, Cat, Detroit, Alco and Cooper Bessmer. And not once was it acceptable(unless in an emergency) to start the engine wait until the water temps gauge starts to move then put it on line. I even checked out my warm up procedure with a tech with a degree in diesel engines and he agrees with what I'm doing. So its gonna be business as usual.