Why do I see running trucks in the parking lot

tmf6902 · April 20, 2004

Why do people leave their diesel trucks running in parking lots? Just curious, I've never owned one. Do you carry a spare set of keys so you can lock the doors???

thanks

tmf

HendyPhoto · April 20, 2004

I should leave mine running, it uses more gas starting up than idle-ing I bet!

LikeaRock14 · April 20, 2004

Turbo Timer? I know a few kids at my school with Supra's WRX's and MR2's have em. That's the only thing I can think of, other than a reeeeaaaal long pre ignition

cdhd2001 · April 20, 2004

I have a pyro (egt) guage in my juice attitude. I never shut it down till the temps are below 300 F. I am just being cautious with the turbo.

Machine · April 20, 2004

Hi -

These folks are most likely cooling their turbo down (good idea) and / or trying to keep the engine and cabin warm in cooler weather. However, without a high idle feature installed, the diesel will not generate enough heat to keep the engine warm and can lead to wet stacking.

Roofer · April 20, 2004

I normally leave my truck running when going into a convenience store or something quick. I'm not sure it is good to let them idle for long periods of time without a high idle. I leave my keys in the truck and take the remote with me.

Mighty HD · April 20, 2004

Idling? LOL! now these refer to gas:

My work truck (03 f150 4x4) Idles 15hrs a day to keep it and ME cool, and still manages to get 11mpg. I leave it running @ lunch, convient stores, etc. Only time it shuts off is getting gas or turning off for the night when I get home.

My personal truck I dont see a reason to leave it idling--

I run mobil 1 in my personal, and (ugh) Jiffy lube Pennzoil in the work truck.

Oil is changed every 2000 miles in both vehicles.

Sometimes more frequent in the work truck, but never more than 2000 miles.

Buddaorf · April 23, 2004

Don’t know about from where you are, but here in Alaska at 40 below its a little too cold not to leave them running. Where most diesel engines hate to run when the engine block gets cold. Plus diesel engines take forever to warm up unlike gas engines. Think most people leave them running for either comfort or convince.

With the Door lock remote, you can leave the keys in the ignition and just carry the remote to access your vehicle. For me, and many folks up here we rely on Auto Starts to ensure these comforts on our drives.

Buddaorf · April 23, 2004

And yes I do run an aftermarket High Idle

tmf6902 · April 23, 2004

Thanks for the answers....I figured it would be to keep the engine warm....but I saw someone in an f-350 leaving it on while they went into barnes and noble.....BTW this was in ft.lauderdale

silverado3500 · April 24, 2004

It also has to do with dispersion (spelling?) Whenever you start up a diesel motor, a small amt of feul gets past the rings and into the engine oil...this is part of the reason that short trips on a diesel require a much shorter change interval than if the motor is run down the highway and not frequently shut down. (I dont even shut mine down to fuel up) Dispersion occurs in both gas and diesel motors. Gas motors somehow burn off most of the gas, however diesel motors have no way to burn off any of the fuel that makes it into the oil, thus degrading the oil. Which is obviously bad on the motor. And yes you should definately let any turbo engine idle for at least 5 mins after any hard towing or hard driving to allow the oil to cool down the turbo.

This is in addition to the above mentioned reasons (temperature, etc)

99Silver6.0 · April 24, 2004

Idling isnt really good on turbo oil seals. High idle is best for when the truck is going to be left running for any extended period of time.

silverado3500 · April 24, 2004

Idling isnt really good on turbo oil seals. High idle is best for when the truck is going to be left running for any extended period of time.

Definately...A high Idle controller is much easier on the engine and turbo.

KyleBst264 · April 24, 2004

When I'm towing the trailer,

I drive 90 miles straightout on the interstate and one state road and then stop to get fuel. I leave the truck running while I'm getting fuel. I go inside and grab a coffee too. Then 10 miles later I'm at my destinatilon. I leave the truck running for a little over five minutes, then I shut off. This is all about letting the turbo properly cool When you're towing and you get off the highway and stop, your engine may be idling, but the turbo can still be doing 10,000 RPM.