Diesel Warm-Up -- How Long -- Why?

[RoyJackson]

Sub-question on this topic:
Traditionally, diesels were 'never' shut down; I remember truck stops that sounded like a family of snoring giants.
But I recently saw a sign at the Uline distribution center that says "no diesel idling."

That "No Idling" thing is getting pretty common now...not sure if it's a good idea or just some of the EPA's idiocy.

How long do you/should you let it idle, while you tend to other chores? (I assume it was considered "bad" for the engine to stop and start it often.)

Personally, if I'm going to be off the tractor for more then 5 minutes or so, I shut it down. Can't say I have a good reason to do this, but that's what I do.
BTW, I never idle the engine at less then 1500 RPM. Low speed idling isn't good for a diesel.

 

[20 20]

Most of the owners manuals I have read say 5min warm up period at a high idle 600-800rpms{gets the oil flowing}, then gradually work into a heavy load. I Also move hydraulics some before doing work especially on the excavators.

 

[k9american]

Sub-question on this topic:
Traditionally, diesels were 'never' shut down; I remember truck stops that sounded like a family of snoring giants.
But I recently saw a sign at the Uline distribution center that says "no diesel idling."

How long do you/should you let it idle, while you tend to other chores? (I assume it was considered "bad" for the engine to stop and start it often.)

I'm not sure how this may apply to the small diesels, but Cummins says not to idle the 5.9 (as in the Dodge Ram) for more than 10 minutes max. That's from the horse's mouth at 1-800-DIESELS (Cummins). It has to do with decreased upper cylinder lubrication at idle RPM. The engineer I spoke with said 11-1200 and up idle is OK, hence the "fast idle kit" Jerry K mentions above.

I let the tractor - JD 4510 - warm up for about 5 minutes and cool down about the same. No loads until the gauge comes up. Pretty much what Roy said... except for the cigarette part. Quit 2 years ago (after 50 yrs) and would still really like to go out back and have a smoke RIGHT NOW. But I won't.

 

[oldballs]

I'll idle the Deere at 1500 RPM for about 5 minutes (long enough to smoke a cigaret), then go to work...
No load on the tractor until it's at normal operating temperature though.
Same thing I've done for the last 10-11 years.

Maybe Roy figures that since there is smoke in the Deere's pipes, there ought to be smoke in his pipes.:laughing: Actually smoking is harmful to ones health. I smoked a cigarette in the 7th grade and never grew up over 5'4". (they say it'll stunt your growth):laughing: Seriously, the FEL and 3-pt just doesn't want to move until things get warmed up at little, even in the summer. But moving out to the work site in idle shouldn't hurt anything...I hope.

 

[RoyJackson]

Seriously, the FEL and 3-pt just doesn't want to move until things get warmed up at little, even in the summer. But moving out to the work site in idle shouldn't hurt anything...I hope.

No problem, as long as you don't put a load on the tractor (by "load", I mean any type of work other then moving the tractor...not just a load in the loader bucket).
As I'd written, keep your idle RPM up around 1500...easier on the bearings.

 

[Short Game]

A habit I developed has been to get into a "granny" gear and idle out of the tractor port. I guess it just makes me feel like I'm getting somewhere as the engine warms up. I would never have guessed that the idle, where it's set from the factory, could be detrimental. I spend hours at idle when I'm running my splitter. I don't need a 41 HP splitter. Now I wonder how many hours I'm taking off my engine's life. Is idling at 800 to 1000 RsPM that terrible with essentially no load?

And thanks to everyone for the interest in this question.

 

[bigbull338]

i always let my tractor warm up 2 or 3 mins,an cool down about the same depending on what we are doing.

 

[JDgreen227]

i always let my tractor warm up 2 or 3 mins,an cool down about the same depending on what we are doing.

I started a thread on cool-down somewhere here on TBN a month or so ago. BTW, the manual for my JD says to let it run at idle speed 1 minute after starting in warm weather and 5 minutes in cold weather.

 

[sweep]

I'll idle the Deere at 1500 RPM for about 5 minutes (long enough to smoke a cigaret), then go to work...
No load on the tractor until it's at normal operating temperature though.
Same thing I've done for the last 10-11 years.

Roy, ......You place more importance and look out more for your tractors engine than your own body.

Ready to be flamed by the smokers...:thumbsup:

 

[JDgreen227]

A habit I developed has been to get into a "granny" gear and idle out of the tractor port. I guess it just makes me feel like I'm getting somewhere as the engine warms up. I would never have guessed that the idle, where it's set from the factory, could be detrimental. I spend hours at idle when I'm running my splitter. I don't need a 41 HP splitter. Now I wonder how many hours I'm taking off my engine's life. Is idling at 800 to 1000 RsPM that terrible with essentially no load?

And thanks to everyone for the interest in this question.

Agree with you that your method is a good one, I too drive out at idle speed and head toward my destination as the engine slowly warms up. We were probably all told a long time ago that idling was bad for a (gas) engine because the fuel not burnt would "wash down" and contaminate the oil. Not sure if the same is true for todays modern FI cars.

And, as for letting the engine idle while not actually moving, I tend to shut my tractor off if I am not going to have to move it elsewhere it within 2-3 minutes.

Another truth....if your engine is running and your vehicle is not moving, your effective fuel mileage is zero....but I figure a 2-3 minute idling period while I load the bucket with brush, angle the back blade, etc. is pretty minor.