"Edgar" wrote in message
...

"Capt. JG" wrote in message
news:er2dnQ_MYo2s7WvanZ2dnUVZ_uuonZ2d@bayareasolut ions...

Actually diesel engines aren't that sensitive. Certainly one should
not idle them for long periods - hours, but it does no damage to let
an engine idle while you are clearing up the lines or what ever. Ever
been into a truck stop on a winter morning and seen the lines of
Peterbilt's sitting there idling while the driver is in having
breakfast.

Bruce-in-Bangkok
(correct email address for reply)


I've had them idle all night... not sure what the idle speed was...
wasn't in charge, just a passenger.


All that guy's post proves is that truck drivers are insensitive to their
motors, not that the diesels are insensitive to prolonged idling.
Most truck drivers, I suspect, do not have to pay the maintenance costs of
the machines they drive. They much prefer to come back to a warm cab
after breakfast..
However, it has to be said that those engines are warmed up when they
arrive at the truckstop. Idling a cold engine to warm it up is much worse
than what they are doing, stupid though it is..



I don't know about most, but my guess is that a substantial portion of
truckers are independents who likely do pay for maintenance. You're right
about the warm-up... the engines are already hot from long driving. I can't
recall if the driver ever shut the thing off in 3000 miles except to stop
for fuel or a bio stop.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com