Leaving a truck idle is a myth.  A heavy duty diesel engine at idle will
consume about 1 1/2 gallons an hour.  Additionally, they won't run hot
enough.  This will leave carbon deposits on the top land area of the piston
(the area from the top ring to top of piston).  This will create a "wicking"
action and oil consumption will be higher than what is acceptable by the
manufacturer resulting in an early "in frame overhaul".  Every manufacturer
will tell you to idle the engine for a few minutes to eliminate heat soak
and coking of the oil in the turbo charger.  Then shut the engine of.
Modern day HD diesel engines record idle time in the ECM.  The life cycle of
most HD diesel engines is measured in piston travel.  Why waste piston
travel on idling.  Use piston travel for creating power.

BobC

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
raceingcajun
Sent: Thursday, June 06, 2013 1:38 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Diesel good idea?

You know that has always bothered me also. So one day at the truck stop when
fueling, I ask a trucker, he said it takes more fuel to start it than to
leave it running???????? I didn't buy that, anyone know for sure. I think I
could understand in very cold weather it would be a little harder to start.
But idling all night?

Howard

> When it is not going somewhere, when the wheels are not turning,
> please SHUT IT OFF.