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Starting diesel engine

Yahoo Message Number: 75442
The latest Motor Home magazine says if your engine has not been started in over a month, that it should be cranked without starting until it develops oil pressure to lessen wear due to a dry start. That sounds like it might be a good idea, although it would put more strain on the starter and batteries. So what do others think, particular our expert Mikee?

Al Colby

2000 Intrigue 10979

Re: Starting diesel engine

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75449
I think my C-13 cat is designed to give a million service miles so if it wears prematurely and only lasts 900,000 miles I will be content.
Marc 05 affinity #6429

Re: Starting diesel engine

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75456
There is some merit the that procedure. But we don't bother. Oil pressure is there pretty quick when the engine is started at idle. The load on the bearings etc is pretty litght at idle.

Mikee

Re: Starting diesel engine

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75460
How would you "crank without starting"? My C-13 fires up immediately.

D Bradley 04 Intrigue $11830

Re: Starting diesel engine

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75471
How about then just running it for a few minutes every three weeks instead? That should lube things up.

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: Starting diesel engine

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75472
If I hit the emergency shutdown button in the back, I can crank the engine without it starting.

Larry, 03 Allure ISL 370

Re: Starting diesel engine

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75475
I start my ISC at least once per week and drive it at least once per month. I am usually going somewhere in it at least once per month for at least a few days. I am not only concern abot engine staying lubricated, but also the rest of the drive train and suspension. Front hub seals that dry out will soon start leaking. OTR AC and heater system also gets exercised.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511

Re: Starting diesel engine

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75505
Greetings,

I was discussing this issue of starting your CC while it is not in use. I had this discussion with our Cummins Rocky Mountain RV Tech here in Albuquerque, NM.

The ideal situation is for one to start it up once a month and drive it ( a nice grade up hill is best during your drive) for about 10 miles out and return. This does the following......Allows engine to get up to temp, fluids to run and seals etc to become lubricated throughout the rig. Drive shaft etc. Our Cummins tech stated it is really NOT good to just let the engine idle for 20 to 30 minutes.

Once again, this explanation is the ideal situation that he stated that would the best for our Coach when we are not out traveling.

David

Country Coach, 2008 Intrigue, 45', Cummins 500HP Coach #12267
 

Re: Starting diesel engine

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75506
Nice Thread, Being in the Diesel Stand By Generator Biz in my other life on our older Cat diesels, they needed to stsrt in 10 seconds or less in Hospitals! We used Pre Lube Oil pumps that would cycle daily to keep the Turbo and Bearings pre lubed. Todays modern diesels do not require this. My thought is Start or do not start! Cranking a cold engine only is not proper. My 2 cents. Ken retired Cat Power Systems Tech. 99 Allure 30356.