Outer Limits 4x4 Board

cj wrote:My experience with diesels is in boats and I was told by a very knowledgeable diesel expert that once it is started and everything seems fine to get underway but avoid full load straight away. Long periods of idling to so call "warm up" the engine were detrimental and reduced its life. He explained why but it's so long ago I can't remember the details.

Does this sound familiar?

If you leave an engine idling for extended periods of time exhaust temperatures will decrease (obviously). If you let them drop below approx 125 - 150 degress c they will reach dewpoint temperature and moisture precipitation will cause various acidic compounds referred to as NOx and SOx (Nitrous Oxides and Sulfur Oxides) to form due to the moisture contacting the burn't gasses. This then results in 'cold' corrosion of liners, injector nozzles etc etc.

droopypete wrote:If the engine is cold I usualy start the engine with my foot all the way to the floor and when it fires I hold my foot down till the valves start to bounce then hold it there for about 5 minutes more (sometimes I use a brick on the throttle) if the engine is already warm I do exactly the same thing.

And when I am not in a hire car,,,,,,

Peter.

Valve bounce is the original rev-limiter.

And the other problem that noone has mentioned, is that letting an engine idle causes the bores to glaze up.