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switch it off or leave it on?

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Ben UK

05-11-2004 11:55:13

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This has always bugged me.

Now, is it better for an engine (exclude batteries etc.) if you are stopping to say for example load up a trailer with another tractor to leave the engine running, or switch it off?

see i would have said that leaving it running just wears out vlaves, rings, bore etc. but other people seem to always leave them running?

(im gona exclude tractors that take about half an hour to start. There is not point in switching them off, i can see that), but with tractors that start easily.

Thanks

Ben

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Dick2

05-12-2004 15:22:18

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Re: switch it off or leave it on? in reply to Ben UK, 05-11-2004 11:55:13

The trucking industry did extensive research on this matter and the conclusion was that 1 hour of idle time was equivalent to 8 hours of operating time in respect to engine wear. The trucking magazines frequently urge drivers to "shut the engine down" instead of letting it idle. The end choice is yours - how often do you want to rebuild the engine?

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ben-uk

05-12-2004 23:32:28

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Re: Re: switch it off or leave it on? in reply to Dick2, 05-12-2004 15:22:18

As little as possible would be good!

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PAGlenn

05-12-2004 08:04:46

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Re: switch it off or leave it on? in reply to Ben UK, 05-11-2004 11:55:13

I only shut it down (3cyl.gas ford) when I get it back to the shop. If it doesn't start on the next
trip, Iam at least under cover where the tools are.

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Bill(Wis)

05-11-2004 17:15:50

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Re: switch it off or leave it on? in reply to Ben UK, 05-11-2004 11:55:13

It doesn't seem to hurt a diesel engine to idle for a long time. If it's in cold weather I prefer to let a diesel run. The thermostat will keep the temps up. Off topic slightly - a friend of mine joined the German Army in 1940 and served the entire war on the Eastern front. They kept their diesel engines running from November through March. It should be noted, however, that they did lose the war.
There are times when you have to shut them down, like when you want to attach a PTO implement. The PTO brake on my tractor is on any time the engine is running with PTO disengaged. It's just easier to shut the engine down and be able to turn the shaft.

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jim

05-11-2004 14:00:19

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Re: switch it off or leave it on? in reply to Ben UK, 05-11-2004 11:55:13

If I'm just going to be off the tractor for only a few minutes, I leave my diesels running. If time away could mount up , I always shut them down after a cooling down time. Had a neighbour who left his 4020 Deere idleing while he left for a quick lunch which lasted longer than he had intended - when he returned he found the fanbelt had broken and a cooked engine as a result. Always remind my sons of that situation whenever they leave a tractor unattended.

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buickanddeere

05-11-2004 13:25:42

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Re: switch it off or leave it on? in reply to Ben UK, 05-11-2004 11:55:13

I've seen some people so cheap they shut the engine off twice while just going through a gate. They are the same people that complain the generator won't keep the battery charged, well duh. It's a tough call for 5-10 minutes depending on the engine coolant temp etc. If the engine runs cold and never warms until reved up and worked. Then idling is wearing it out rapidly.

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Shep Va

05-11-2004 13:02:29

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Re: switch it off or leave it on? in reply to Ben UK, 05-11-2004 11:55:13

I would agree with the rest, if it is a gas engine shut it off. Gas engines dont idle the best and tend to waste more gas idling and will fowl plugs and burn rich.

The diesels we let them run. Diesels start harder and waste lots of fuel starting and stopping, plus the starters and batteries are very pricy. It takes very little fuel to keep a diesel idling and normally does minimal harm to the engine unless it is idling too slow.

Thats my 2 cents for what it is worth.

Shep's World

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Nebraska Cowman

05-11-2004 12:38:44

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Re: switch it off or leave it on? in reply to Ben UK, 05-11-2004 11:55:13

If it is a diesel that has been working hard I'd say let it run and cool down. when i am working in the field and stop for lunch or maintenence I always let the tractor run. You might see me with my feet up on the steering wheel fast asleep but the tractor is still running.

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Matt K

05-11-2004 12:30:54

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Re: switch it off or leave it on? in reply to Ben UK, 05-11-2004 11:55:13

I'm going to disagree with the posts below. Their points are valid, but when you start any engine there is a delay between when the engine starts and when it starts getting oil under pressure. More wear occurs during that time than in a couple of minutes of idling.

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one answer

05-11-2004 12:14:52

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Re: switch it off or leave it on? in reply to Ben UK, 05-11-2004 11:55:13

If it is a conventional engine leaving it idle for more than a minute is not fuel effecient. Diesel engines have different parameters. I takes a little more fuel to restart the engine tha to idle a short time. Depending on the size of the engine the starting consumption and idle consumption will vary from 20 seconds to one minute. Direct start diesels not withstanding

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Red Dave

05-11-2004 12:11:58

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Re: switch it off or leave it on? in reply to Ben UK, 05-11-2004 11:55:13

I'm gonna say, if it's a gasoline engine, shut it down. Not because of wear & tear, but because idling just seems to foul the plugs so quickly on the gas we get these days. At least mine seem to anyway.

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