Excessive Idle Time can Cause Poor Engine Performance

[dan-nickie]

our motorhomes do not make as much noise as the trucks do.

And I'm sure there are not any jerks that drive a Berkshire. :-)

[Campin Cajun]

Yup I probably did, but you won't have to ever worry about me waking up anyone at 6:00 am, I sleep later than that.

Glad you are not upset.

[I-RV]

Originally Posted by TGR

Wet stacking is a problem with diesel engines and isn't limited to the Cummins engine or just because of DEF requirements. "Wet stacking" happens when a diesel engine is run too long with no load and operates below its optimum temperature. Unburned fuel can foul the fuel injectors, valves, turbochargers and more.


To overcome this problem during long idle periods, the engine must run at a fast idle, especially in cold weather, to keep the engine temperature up.

I, like everyone would like to know what "Excessive Idling" means and we all relate this to time. I believe that TGR has some good information; wherein a cold engine could contribute to fouling injectors and more.

This would then mean that excessive idling is more a problem when the engine is cold. I know that it takes forever for my engine to get off the "C" mark when starting cold. When operating, the engine temperature is around 192 degrees. It would be interesting to find out after being up to 192 degrees, if low speed idling brings the temp. down and how fast! What are your thoughts?