Why idle?

[Roundtwo-40]

Did a search but didn't find exact question so..I went into work yesterday and a service truck was parked by our entrance with the back open and it was idling (not a big deal, happens often) I went back out over an hour later to get something out of my car and it was still there and still running. Here the Diesel fuel price is well over $4 a gal and I have heard many people with maintenance problems with their turbo over soot deposits from idling that are pretty expensive. So I guess my question is why would you leave it running? No one leaves gas engines running unless you would be gone like less than 2 minutes..call me uninformed but I guess I don't understand. Anyone care to educate me?

[N3YMY]

WyoTraveler wrote:

I sure would like to see the section in the law for that cite. I'm not saying it isn't there. I'm just saying I'd sure like to read it.

Welcome to Maryland:

http://www.mde.maryland.gov/PROGRAMS/AIR/MOBILESOURCES/DIESELVEHICLEINFORMATION/DIESELREGULATIONS/Pages/index.aspx

Been cited for it with our old F-350 that was on an idle timer. Got cited even as the truck shut itself off with the officer present.

Counts as moving violation 😕

[Cummins12V98]

I should not HAVE TO lock my vehicle, my property should be left alone locked or not.

I do lock mine but I should not be required to so!

[pitch]

Don't let the USPS catch you idling a vehicle. We went through hell with that and still lost. Sub zero weather a forty minute delivery loop. Sitting in the truck with my fingers over the heater vent trying to ward off frost bite. Still got a letter of warning.
UPS has air starters on their trucks so constant starter cycling does not enter the picture.

[roadrider10]

As other posters have mentioned it is against the law in many states including NY to leave an unattended vehicle running. I was reprimanded by the local sherrif for just running into the store ten feet from the door with my car running in the winter. While at the checkout the sherrif politely warned me that it was against the law. Have not done it since.I was not aware of that law.

[rockhillmanor]

ib516 wrote:
Makes no sense to me. Waste of fuel.

X2
It's the only time a running vehicle can get 0 mpg!

[Dave_H_M]

Common folks, you should lock the vehicle when you leave it running and unattended.

I have been doing it for years with both gas and diesel.

When traveling with the two labs, for me that is the only humane way to do it. :h

[Charlie_D_]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

rockhillmanor wrote:
I left my truck running ONCE to run into a store.

Came back out to a crowd gathered around the truck and a very very
very angry cop with an agenda.

Holding my keys in the air I had to listen to a 10 minute lecture of
trucks left running with keys in it equals teenagers stealing it, running from police, police chases and fatalities....all because of my poor judgement and actions.

I have to admit his lecture hit home and I have NEVER left my truck running since then.

I would have told him to bite me on leaving the keys!

A month ago, someone left their vehicle idling while they ran into the store. Someone drove off with it. When it was found, the owner was ticketed for not removing the keys and securing the vehicle.\

[Charlie_D_]

Learjet wrote:

WyoTraveler wrote:
If that delivery man shut that diesel down at every delivery all day long seems it would cause more problems.

UPS drivers shut their diesel trucks off at every stop around here, I bet they know something about long term cost. 😉

Yep-Even the post office shuts theirs down.

[bovellois]

Laziness. And/or diesel or gasoline are obviously still very cheap.

[Terryallan]

You know. IF the diesel guys REALLY want to feel alittle like they are driving a big truck. Don't let it idle, BUT raise the seat up as high as it will go, So that you feet are flat on the floor. Then tilt the wheel as flat as it will go. Then you can get just a touch of what riding in a real truck is like.

Oh, and don't forget to floor it and let off 6 times befor you get to 45 MPH. and 12 times befor you get to 60

[thomasmnile]

rockhillmanor wrote:
I left my truck running ONCE to run into a store.

Came back out to a crowd gathered around the truck and a very very
very angry cop with an agenda.

Holding my keys in the air I had to listen to a 10 minute lecture of
trucks left running with keys in it equals teenagers stealing it, running from police, police chases and fatalities....all because of my poor judgement and actions.

I have to admit his lecture hit home and I have NEVER left my truck running since then.

In Florida you will receive a ticket for leaving an unattended vehicle running...........and the law doesn't discriminate. They will ticket a gas or diesel vehicle. :B

[Vulcaneer]

downtheroad wrote:
Come on now, why do Toyota guys leave theirs running??

So they can drive it away before someone sneaks up on 'em and hooks another one of those space shuttles to it, then expects to pull the darned thing away.

[Cummins12V98]

The only way it is okay to Idle a diesel engine for a long time is if you have a load on it, like an exhaust brake or high idle feature.

Idle long enough to cool down the turbo AND SHUT IT OFF! No you don't need to let it idle forever when hooking up and getting ready to tow either.

I have logged over 300K on 4 different diesels and have never WARMED UP before driving.

[Cummins12V98]

rockhillmanor wrote:
I left my truck running ONCE to run into a store.

Came back out to a crowd gathered around the truck and a very very
very angry cop with an agenda.

Holding my keys in the air I had to listen to a 10 minute lecture of
trucks left running with keys in it equals teenagers stealing it, running from police, police chases and fatalities....all because of my poor judgement and actions.

I have to admit his lecture hit home and I have NEVER left my truck running since then.

I would have told him to bite me on leaving the keys!

[Hannibal]

I've owned six diesels. I believe it's more macho than anything. What's the point of music if you don't play it. One of our neighbors bought a Harley Sportster about a year ago. He can't ride it enough and when he's home, it sits in the yard with it's engine running a lot. I asked him why as it's getting no air flow across the jugs sitting there running. He said he just likes to hear it idle. At least he was honest. All of my trucks have been my work route trucks as well as TV and family cars. If my starter was so delicate or the engine so tender I had to let it idle extensively, I'd trade it for something else.