Facts about diesel ideling
As the vast majority of 5th wheels are being towed by diesel trucks here is some interesting facts about idling and the myths surrounding it: http://www.in.gov/idem/prevention/2372.htm
Forum Discussion
DutchmenSport wrote:
I have found with my truck (3500 diesel), if I start the engine it will initially run on high idle. Once the engine reaches it's desired temperature, it will shift to low idle. When it does that, I's OK to drive it.
I have found, in the deep winter months, when outside temperatures are 0 degrees (F) or below, by plugging in the engine block heater, there is really no need for any idle time. Just wait for it to switch from high idle, to low idle, and then it's OK to drive it.
I have found that letting the engine idle longer until the cab is warm enough my toes aren't freezing is really not necessary with my truck. When temperatures get around 36 degrees, my truck has a built in separate heating system that warm the cab heater. It run on diesel fuel, same as the engine. The warms the cab much faster, even on the coldest of days. Combined with electric engine block heater, no need for long idle, once it switches from the high idle to the low. Even in zero degree weather, it's ready to go and the cab is not sub-freezing my fingers off!
In the Summer months, my idle time is usually the time it takes to hit the remote start to the time I get to the truck, And when camping, it idles when hitching long enough for sure.
But, leave it to Indiana to set the record straight!
Makes me wonder about law enforcement in California? Don't have anything better to do than sit there with a stop watch, timing how long a truck is sitting there idle? Seems like they could be "out there" catching real criminals!
I'm pretty sure theres no requirement to wait for it to drop to low idle before you drive.
