2006-09-18 19:51:32 · 6 answers · asked by Brian D 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The truck I am talking about is a Ford pickup diesel, not a tractor. I live in Phoenix so cold is not a big problem. I manage some crews and I am trying to save fuel. The crew practicaly insists on keeping the truck running always but I disagree. I have never had even the slightest problem starting the truck, even after sitting all night. The work we do is fairly stop and go, sit for 3,5,10 or 15.. minutes then go. Shut it off or keep it running?
Thanks for all your feedback!
2006-09-19 18:42:37 · update #1
Diesel engines are incredibly efficient and use very little fuel at idle. The fuel itself is oily unlike gasoline so it can be run at a very lean mixture without harming the engine. It can be left running for about five minutes on the fuel it would take to restart it. Semi trucks sometimes leave them running to keep all the batteries charged and some of them have extra equipment that has to run.
In severe cold weather a diesel can be hard to start so they leave them run to keep the engine warm.
2006-09-18 20:00:38 · answer #1 · answered by FAT CAT 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Supposedly, Starting and Stopping a Diesel Engine Excessively, like with a Gasoline Engine, will cause the Fuel Injectors and Pump to become Clogged Up.The Length of Duration is at the Discretion of the Driver. Usually about 20 Minutes. Hopefully, when Low Sulphur Fuel becomes Mandatory, this will be a Thing of the Past.
2006-09-18 19:59:20 · answer #2 · answered by gvaporcarb 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Diesels can idle all night long without consequence. It doesn't harm the truck in any way, and it benefits the driver in a few ways. He can keep the A/C on all night while he is taking a nap along the highway, and in colder weather, they're impossible to start unless they are plugged in at night to keep the glowplugs warm.
2006-09-18 22:09:45 · answer #3 · answered by hornetking1600 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For one thing some are hard to crank when shut off especially in a colder climate. It also keeps the engine lubricated, and the air pressure built up for braking the tractor, and the trailer.
2006-09-18 19:55:51 · answer #4 · answered by virginiamayoaunt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cause it is cheaper to leave it running for one and starting diesel in the cold is hard to do. I believe there are other reasons also but not sure.
2006-09-18 19:56:11 · answer #5 · answered by CoCo-Puffs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a diesel engine has to stay warm if its turned off it cools down making it almost imposible to get running again
2006-09-18 21:46:03 · answer #6 · answered by kaylan_2_cool 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋