Just as another view to the question, does anyone know of an engine failure (worn out early, turned an insert, seized-up, etc.) as a direct result of excessive idling?
I can't think of one, in any form. Failure was always caused by something else, usually lack of proper maintenance.
Assuming decent oil pressure and adequate cooling, idling should have very little effect on the engine. There is almost no load on the motor, unless you have a bunch of lights on, making the alternator work hard.
I can think of several high-mileage engines that spend a LOT of time idling...with the heater on full blast and the window down in the winter, or the A/C on full blast and the door open in the summer (funny, the same family does this, and they aren't anywhere near their vehicles!), idling literally for hours every day (I didn't say they were smart). Different farmers I know don't seem to understand how to shut the engines off untill dark, letting them idle all day. I'm not afraid to let mine idle, though if it's going to be too long, I shut it off. It's a cold-blooded little critter, so particularly in the winter while snowblowing, if I stop at someone's house for a bit, I leave it idling.
If it ever dies from this, I'll let you know.
Just my 2¢ worth. If it's worth that much. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
