I have heard the argument that it is important to idle the engines before driving them in order to get the oil flowing. This makes sense to me, but I have two questions:
1) Is it actually necessary? By "necessary," I mean, will it cause damage if you do not do it (assuming above-freezing temperatures)?
2) If necessary, how long do you have to idle them?
I have heard some people recommend starting the engine before getting turned out, allowing the engine to warm up while you get dressed for the response. But, there are articles such as that linked below which argue that idling for the purpose of circulating oil is unnecessary after about 30 seconds. (Yes, this is plenty of time to get bunked out, but I see our engines idle for much longer awaiting additional volunteers to show up at the station). I realize that the article is probably aimed more at gas engines than diesel ones, but I feel that the time it takes to warm and circulate oil in a gas engine is probably the same as in a diesel one (same oil, right?), so I tend to believe the article's argument.
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/auto...car-in-winter/
Thoughts?
Have a great day,
-Radar
1) Is it actually necessary? By "necessary," I mean, will it cause damage if you do not do it (assuming above-freezing temperatures)?
2) If necessary, how long do you have to idle them?
I have heard some people recommend starting the engine before getting turned out, allowing the engine to warm up while you get dressed for the response. But, there are articles such as that linked below which argue that idling for the purpose of circulating oil is unnecessary after about 30 seconds. (Yes, this is plenty of time to get bunked out, but I see our engines idle for much longer awaiting additional volunteers to show up at the station). I realize that the article is probably aimed more at gas engines than diesel ones, but I feel that the time it takes to warm and circulate oil in a gas engine is probably the same as in a diesel one (same oil, right?), so I tend to believe the article's argument.
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/auto...car-in-winter/
Thoughts?
Have a great day,
-Radar
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