Idling vs. shutting down

[Bulldog]

Another point to let it idle is for those of us with turbo engines. It's was harder on a turbo to run up and shut it down hot as apposed to letting it idle. Fuel usage is almost 0% at idle so that's not really a factor either.

Back this summer I hauled 8 loads of hay and never shut my truck off. It ran for about 10 hrs and I only dropped about 1.5 mpg from my normal average.
I wouldn't want to just let on sit all day doing nothing but a 15 or 20 minute idle in the long run is easier that constant shutting down and restarts. my $.02

 

[armylifer]

Benhameen, The term idle these days is a little subjective. It really all depends on what engine speed your idle is set at. Mine is set at 1300 RPM. I have seen other tractors idle set at 750 to 800 RPM.

Many people like to idle a little faster for a several reasons. Some want to be sure that the battery is getting a good charge, or to keep the oil pressure up, or to ensure that the coolant is circulating better. There are still others that may be operating older machines with mechanical fuel pumps. Those engines just seem to run smoother at speeds above idle. And then there is the fact that most engines bother older and newer just seem to run more efficiently at speeds higher than idle.

 

[torch]

I can think of one good reason to shut it down every single time: the HST reverse pedal. On my B7100 it is strategically located in the exact position my foot falls when reboarding from the port side.

 

[Daren Todd]

I've always been taught to mount a machine the same as a horse. From the left side. Most fel controls and hydro static pedals are mounted on the right. By mounting from the left side, your less likely to hit a control or go pedal. Also in the winter, it's easier to mount from the left and avoid getting caught on fel controls with a bulky jacket and bulky boots catching something they shouldn't.

As far as idling is concerned, it depends on the circumstances. If the grand kiddos are around, the tractor gets shut off. Key in my pocket. Even if it's just for five minutes. No kids around, I'll leave it running for a 10 to fifteen minute break, with the engine running around 1200 rpm. I found the charging system on my tractor won't put out 14 volts when the alternator is spinning less the 1200.

On an engine with a turbo, I'll let it idle for at least 5 minutes after a hard work out to allow oil to get back to the turbo and cool things down. If the exhaust is really cooking, then I'll lengthen the idle time.

 

[torch]

I've always been taught to mount a machine the same as a horse. From the left side.

Yup. Port = left. I approach from the left and I hit the dang pedal putting my foot across onto the right side.

 

[Daren Todd]

Yup. Port = left. I approach from the left and I hit the dang pedal putting my foot across onto the right side.

Some of us aren't current on nautical terms

Years ago, I was in the upper portion of the pasture with my dad's brand new L2250. Tractor was geared. Dad used to harp at me about only getting onto the tractor from the left side, but I was a teenager and new everything there was to know already. Decided to take the shorter route to the shed where it was stored and went out the upper gate instead of going around to the lower gate.

Tractor was parked on a pretty steep grade when I got off to close the gate. Climbed back on, on the right side. Simultaneously hit the fel control and the parking brake as I was getting on Good news, was the fel lowered and dug in stopping the tractor. Bad news was explaining to my gramps that I just peeled a 5x6 foot section of sod out of his yard

It sunk in after that

 

[OBKubota]

I am not sure if this is relevant as it pertains to a locomotive for moving rail cars but the mechanic has told us not to leave the locomotive (which has two rather large Diesel engines) on extended Idle as somehow the fuel and the oil gets mixed and is hard on the cylinder walls or something like that. He says if we have to have it running for a long time (in winter temps and not near a source to plug in block heater) then to maintain a higher throttle level.


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[Daren Todd]

I am not sure if this is relevant as it pertains to a locomotive for moving rail cars but the mechanic has told us not to leave the locomotive (which has two rather large Diesel engines) on extended Idle as somehow the fuel and the oil gets mixed and is hard on the cylinder walls or something like that. He says if we have to have it running for a long time (in winter temps and not near a source to plug in block heater) then to maintain a higher throttle level.


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Prolonged "low" idle can cause what they call "Wet Stacking". Seals and rings heat up, do to lack of oil pressure, and coolant not traveling through the engine fast enough. Allowing oil to start leaking into the exhaust. Probably not the exact definition.

Air cooled diesels are really prone to this due to the heat generated. On my deutz engines, we make sure to tell customers to run them at 1,200 rpms minimum. 1,400 is better. But then I'll still get the occasional call from a customer complaining about oil puking out the muffler First thing I ask them is if they have been running long periods under 1,000 rpms. There answer is usually "yeah, how did you know that???". My answer is "because your puking oil out the muffler!!! Bump your rpms up to around 1,400 and it will clear up once it burns the oil off!!".

 

[Missouribound]

. I've always just assumed that idling was better than restarting often.

As a side note to that, UPS drivers shut off their engines at every stop. It's a fuel saving measure. Unfortunately they average 3 starters a year.
Diesels are intended to run for long hours, non stop. On construction sites it's not unusual for generators and pumps to run 24/7 and re-fueling is done while it's running. Unless noise is an issue I see no reason to shut down unless you are removing or attaching implements. Then it's a safety must.