Do you leave your diesel running ...?

the only reason I would think of was at ne point an ole timer told me that IF I exit the highway and go directly into a fuel stop ( or other stop) that you should let the engine idle for a few minutes before shutting it down to allow the turbo and other engine parts to cool ..

I don't.

But if I did, my answer to your question would be that there is no risk of fire fueling a diesel while it is running, unlike with a gas vehicle. A few drops of diesel on a hot exhaust pipe will make a stink, but that is all, and it is not at all susceptible to ignition via a static spark, both of which will get you a fire going with gasoline.

I've noticed that folks who drive vehicles like my 3 diesels tend to turn 'em off while fueling, but the 18 wheelers do not, and the pickup crowd swings both ways. The 18 wheelers can point to the wear on their starter motor and batteries vs the teaspoon of diesel fuel needed to idle for 20 minutes.

Get your motor running
Head out on the highway
Looking for adventure
In whatever comes my way

Born to be wild
Born to be wild



No I do not leave my engine running while refueling.
I don't leave it running unless I happen to jump out of cab to recheck something.

I start it up....then drive away. Pull in and turn it off.
Just like one does with a gasoline engine.

Leaving it running is just plain stupid. It is a modern computer controlled engine. NOT some old 1950s vintage diesel.

I have, only once or twice in my 80-ish fuel ups let it running. I can't remember why, but maybe to keep the heat running for my children inside. Idling uses fuel that does not move the vehicle. There are mainly convenience reasons to keep it running at idle.

If it's really hot or really cold I'll leave it running for the A/C or heat. If not, I shut it off.

Bill

most states its against the law to have a gas or diesel run while refueling

Yes. Just saves another whallop on batteries and starter. I don't know.