Diesel Engine

Modern diesel engines (as in made in the past few years) will get the DPF plugged up if just idled, and DPF replacement can be expensive (Sprinter replacements can be $3200.)

Unlike gasoline engines, diesels don't have the gummy fuel issues with gas going bad in weeks to months. Of course, one needs an additive to keep the paraffin from gelling and to keep the bugs away, but there are a lot of diesels that get parked for six months or more, and are ready to go the next season.

You will do more HARM than good by starting a diesel and just letting it idle, even high idle. That just builds moisture in the crankcase. It is not possible to get the OIL, not just coolant up to operating temperature unless you drive at least 25 highway miles.

So, if you can't/won't do that, leave it off. Also make sure for storage that the diesel tank is full to minimize condensation. Many of us add a biocide to the diesel if storing more than 3 months.

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edsan wrote:
We bought a new Motor Home with a Diesel engine in it. The question I have, we are at a park for the winter and I was wondering if I can run the engine for 15 minutes while parked, with the 50 amp power to it, slide outs out, and levelers down on it?

Ed

If you wanted to why not, But what is reason for running it 15 min? But you posted under CW service and installation. Maybe they will have answer? For the heck of it, also post on a farmers forum. See how many farmers start their equipment for 15 min.

edsan wrote:
We bought a new Motor Home with a Diesel engine in it. The question I have, we are at a park for the winter and I was wondering if I can run the engine for 15 minutes while parked, with the 50 amp power to it, slide outs out, and levelers down on it?

Ed

Would gas make it easyer.

sch911 wrote:

lanerd wrote:
You can run it that long, and it doesn't matter if you're plugged into shore power as your transfer switch will disconnect and make the engine's alternator primary.

Sorry but that's incorrect information. The transfer switch would only change over if the generator was started. The chassis alternator has nothing to do with the 120V AC system.

Not knowing what the OP was asking the question for, I assumed he was referring to charging the chassis batteries. So my answer stands. I didn't say anything about 120vac.

Ron

The best advice you got was to let it sleep until you want to use it!

No disrespect to the people on here that gave you advice, but I would check with the people that know your motor best. that being the dealer. Those motors are around $10000 should you have to replace them

It will be ok.A lot of construction and farm equipment sits longer than that in North Dakota
dave

Thank you for all your answers to my question.
My fuel tank was full when we parked, but we will be here four months, not two or three, so it should be OK?

Ed