TowRig.com - Diesel Discussion and Tow Tech

Do you leave the truck running or shut it down? I Know the big rigs leave them running and I've noticed other diesels do both. So what do you do and what's your reasoning?

I generally shut it down, it takes so long to pump 40 gallons in that it's not worth leaving the thing running for that long. I top off until the fuel is all the way at the top of the filler neck too, so it takes a bit longer.

If I lived where it was super cold I might leave it running, but in CA what's the point?

Maybe this thread should be moved to the general forum?

I leave mine running to keep the a/c running, it's to damn hot here to shut it off.

I keep mine running for three reasons...

1. The 2002 and earlier Cummins doesn't use hardly any fuel idling anyway.

2. Get to keep the A/C going or the heat going

3. Getting to excercise the fact that diesel trucks don't have to shut off and gassers do is kind of fun. :pimp:

I leave mine running - mainly to let the EGT's come down, don't see the need to shut the motor off when I can leave it running and keep oil circulating taking away heat. The other reason is it sure does feel good to get back in the cab when the A/C is COLD as can be ...... :D
Tom

I also tend to leave mine running, even though it takes a while to pump 50+ gallons. As suggested, keeps the truck cool, and saves on starter/electrical stress.

and saves on starter/electrical stress. Yeah, and the motor itself wears less idling in that five minutes than it would restarting it by a long shot.

If I`m pulling heavy or the wife and kids are inside and it's hot, I'll let it run. If niether of those conditions exist, I'll shut it off.

Marc

From what I understand it's alot eaiser on a Diesel engine to idle due to the engine temps being able to drop while idling on a hot day preventing heat soak and posiable dry-lube starts. Plus as mentioned before less stress on the electrical/starter and keeps the A/C-Heater at temps. Of coarse in the winter time it helps to keep the engine at operating temps.

3. Getting to excercise the fact that diesel trucks don't have to shut off and gassers do is kind of fun. :pimp:

he he.. OOPS!! California is now a "No Idle" state. if you are not in te drivers seat they CAN ding ya. its a new lay and i have yet to hear of it being enforced... but its there. i know in a lot of residential areas they will talk to you, BUT i have yet to hear of anyone being cited.

oh, and to the origonal poster... i shut off, BUT i do let it idle for 3 to 5 min before i shut off. thats normaly my clean the trash out of the truck time.
Grant

grant

I shut mine off.. because it says to on the pumps.. since we have combo diesel/gas pumps here in CA.. that and there is that new STUPID no idle law.
Scott

I let it run most of the time. It barely burns any fuel and saves on wear, might as well just let it run.

I let it run most of the time. It barely burns any fuel and saves on wear, might as well just let it run. Zackly :cool: