Forgot to turn tractor off!

[CtRick]

I checked my fuel consumption this morning and it used about 1/2 a tank. It also added around 9 hours to the thing /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. I definitely won't make this a habit. I hope she'll bounce right back from this. Maybe I'll wash her extra nice to make it up to her. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif. Thanks for the help.

Rick

 

[cowboydoc]

You're exactly right DT. As far as extended periods at the same rpm that is fine IF you are above the idle speed and burning the fuel. At idle you don't burn all the fuel. At higher rpms you don't get the "wash" or whatever else you want to call it.

 

[755inNY]

<font color="blue"> Shoot if could have just as well been sitting running a PTO pump or gen set for that long. As long as it did not ever heat I see no problem
Running all night is no differnt than running it all day working the thing </font>

As others have posted there is a BIG difference between running for extended periods at IDLE vs running for extended periods at working RPMs. My operating manual recommends against extended operation at idle.

Jeff

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

My Mahindra's (by Mitsubishi) owners manual says something like warn up and cool down at 1500 rpms. Don't idle for extended periods of time.

My advise is if you haven't changed the oil yet this year do it now. If you have changed it already, you are 9hrs closer to the next change. I wouldn't streach it out past 50hrs though.

Chances are you didn't hurt anything.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( At least you didn't run out of fuel. That would have been a major headache from what I hear )</font>

Not to worry All modern tractors have self bleeding injection systems and that is no longer a worry...

 

[GerardC]

I think if it (you) were to have a problem, it would have already.

 

[Tdog]

Rick,

Interesting you would say '50 degree heat'. That's pretty comfortable by my book. I don't think anyone from my part of the county would have used that phrase.

Hope your machine is OK - - -.

 

[michaelaz]

I feel sure your tractor is ok, but I agree with the fellows that say it isn't good for it. I have just retired from thirty years as a truck driver. I just sold my 99 Frieghtliner Classic. Every big truck you see sitting idling somewhere is just like the fellows say, it is a fast idle, not normal idle. Also correct about incomplete combustion when idling too long. The turbo models really need a cool down period when they are hot from working hard. The turbo bearing is very hot and needs to cool before shutdown. In some cases the bearing will cook the oil in it and seize if shut down while very hot. With my Freightliner, it would automaticaly kill the engine after ten minutes of idling which is a good thing computers can do for you. The newer trucks will shut of the engine and restart when you are in the sleeper to save fuel when you need the heater or cooling. I also have a Dodge Cummins.
Michael

 

[RonR]

Wow Michael! How many miles did you cover in 30 years?

Ron

 

[michaelaz]

Over two million, and I must be crazy, I still enjoy driving!
Michael