diesel running with small load

[peter north]

I'm considering some different options for battery charging. I've heards that it's bad for the main diesel (Perkins 4236) to run at a small load. Is that really true? If so ,why? Any help appreciated.

[Magwitch]

Diesels like to be worked hard. Run at no load for too long bores can glaze. Needn't be a problem, if you want to charge batteries then run the engine in gear .

IanW

[EVANS Wilson]

Is it a no load issue ?, I always thought it was a low idle thing. After warmup I usually nudge the throttle open a little more.. say 1000 rpm.

Either one is not terrible "efficient", and I use only when I cannot take the boat out for a run.

[Bob Smalser]

Read the manufacturer's specs.

Detroit 2-strokes, for example, shouldn't be idled at lower than 1200rpm because they will run too cold in many applications.....and running too cold for too long will eventually warp their heads from the extreme temperature differential and blow a head gasket.

Did that once to a perfectly good 6-53 and learned the hard way to not blow off what the book says.

[ 12-22-2004, 12:02 PM: Message edited by: Bob Smalser ]

[hikingchrs]

Is it not bad for OTR truckers to leave their engines on over night while they sleep?

[Levi]

Most all of the truckers at our stops run their diesels overnight at idle speed but I'm wondering (anybody know?) if those engines might be built stronger than Marine types? Maybe they run on generators instead of the road engine? Interesting....

[Hwyl]

Originally posted by hikingchrs:
Is it not bad for OTR truckers to leave their engines on over night while they sleep?This has always fascinated me. Usually it's a high idle, so it's above 1000 RPM. Truck engines last for a million miles. Engines hate the environment and (often) poor installation in boats.

Truckers hate turning their motors off. I'm ridiculed for doing it (nascent tree hugger).

Gareth

Edited to add, some trucks are fitting "donkey engines" which are generators that use the same cooling system and keep the main engine warm. It makes huge economic sense. I heard a report on the raio that some truck stops are offeing marina style plug ins for electricity, internet and cable. It was almost as expensive as running the engine--a hassle and did not solve the cold start problem.

[ 12-22-2004, 05:58 PM: Message edited by: Hwyl ]