TransAm12sec
11-29-2005, 10:08 PM
Increased Maintenance Expenses
When a gasoline or diesel engine idles for prolonged periods, the engine oil becomes contaminated more quickly than when the vehicle is being driven. Oil contamination is more prevalent in diesel engines because of the large amount of intake air used in the diesel combustion cycle. When idling at low rpms, such as 600 rpm, the excess air in the combustion process cools the cylinder liners, resulting in incomplete combustion and condensation of unburned fuel on the cylinder walls. These deposits are eventually drawn into the engine sump where they contaminate the engine oil and reduce its effectiveness as a lubricant.
Controlled studies demonstrate that prolonged idling typically reduces the operating life of engine oil by 75 percent, from 600 engine-hours to 150 engine-hours.
Compare the convenience of excessive idling against the cost of more frequent oil and filter changes and the amount of time your truck will be out of service while the work is being done.
From http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/infosource/pub/fleetsmart/publications_idling.cfm#happens
So, when it's cold out(or warm), what's the median between letting the car warm up so the oil becomes thin enough to lubricate the engine, but not long enough so the gas doesn't contaminate the oil?
When a gasoline or diesel engine idles for prolonged periods, the engine oil becomes contaminated more quickly than when the vehicle is being driven. Oil contamination is more prevalent in diesel engines because of the large amount of intake air used in the diesel combustion cycle. When idling at low rpms, such as 600 rpm, the excess air in the combustion process cools the cylinder liners, resulting in incomplete combustion and condensation of unburned fuel on the cylinder walls. These deposits are eventually drawn into the engine sump where they contaminate the engine oil and reduce its effectiveness as a lubricant.
Controlled studies demonstrate that prolonged idling typically reduces the operating life of engine oil by 75 percent, from 600 engine-hours to 150 engine-hours.
Compare the convenience of excessive idling against the cost of more frequent oil and filter changes and the amount of time your truck will be out of service while the work is being done.
From http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/infosource/pub/fleetsmart/publications_idling.cfm#happens
So, when it's cold out(or warm), what's the median between letting the car warm up so the oil becomes thin enough to lubricate the engine, but not long enough so the gas doesn't contaminate the oil?