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Re: Extended Idle?
Zman,
Welcome to TDS! The guys here took care of you with good information.
Long periods of idling at normal rpm's will cause a condition called "wet stacking" where unburned fuel gets into the oil pan comtaminating the engine oil with fuel. There are also some other bad things that happen so do a search on idling and wet stacking. An elevated rpm will cause the engine to be hot enough that this wet stacking is not an issue. You may want to consider an AIC that will elevate your idle rpm's especially if you use a PTO.
It's OK and even encouraged to idle your truck (at normal rpm's) for a few minutes before shutting it down in order for the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) to cool down to a safe level thus prolonging the life of the turbocharger. A pyrometer or gauge for exhaust gas temp will help you know when it is safe to shut down. Most folks here say 300 degrees, but my truck (see sig below) never gets that cool. Maybe it's just a 6.0 liter thing, so I shut down at 350 - 360 degrees and it only takes a couple of minutes (with the A/C off). I never idle more than 5 minutes because of the wet stacking issue.
It is also my understanding that the cool down idle is not as critical or as necessary if you use synthetic motor oil because of it's resistance to coking and it's ability to withstand high temperatures. I will stay with regular dino oil because I get free oil & filter changes at my Ford dealer.
Once again, welcome to the site and enjoy your truck.
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2005 F-350 Lariat, 6.0 PSD, Torqueshift auto trans, crew cab, SRW, short box, FX4, ESOF, limited slip dif., tow command, upfitter switches, 6 CD changer, Lariat Lux. package, camper package, engine block heater, adjustable pedals, reverse sensor, triple A-pillar gauge set (Autometer) with pyrometer, trans temp & voltmeter, MBRP 4" cat back exhaust w/5" dual wall chrome tip, dark shadow gray/ med. flint interior.
2008 Big Horn fifth wheel by Heartland RV model 3670RL. 38' long, 4 slides and all the goodies.
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