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Diesel engines - turning them off?
I have recently purchased these two cars, both turbo diesel.
As a first time user of diesel cars, have heard that before switching off the engine one has to keep it running for a couple of minutes. Is this true and why is it required?
Similarly while starting up, do I need to run it on idle for a little while before taking off?
My normal run is about 15km to work and 15km back, all in slow stop and go traffic, Monday to Friday.
Weekend runs are better, longer and less stop and go.
As a first time user of diesel cars, have heard that before switching off the engine one has to keep it running for a couple of minutes. Is this true and why is it required?
Similarly while starting up, do I need to run it on idle for a little while before taking off?
My normal run is about 15km to work and 15km back, all in slow stop and go traffic, Monday to Friday.
Weekend runs are better, longer and less stop and go.
Asked on 16 August 2012 by From down under
Answered by
Honest John
Yes, let it idle for 10 seconds to ensure the engine oil is flowing through the turbo bearing before driving off. Also idle for 10 - 120 seconds before switching off after ascending a hill, after towing and after sustained speed motorway cruising. This is to keep engine oil flowing through the turbo bearings while they are virtually red hot.
If you don't, the oil in the turbo bearings instantly carbonises and, as well as causing severe wear, can block the oil flow to the turbo bearing. No need to idle if the end of your journey is through a town because low speed running is the equivalent of idling. Same applies to turbo petrol cars that have water cooled turbos but still benefit from idling before switching off.
If you don't, the oil in the turbo bearings instantly carbonises and, as well as causing severe wear, can block the oil flow to the turbo bearing. No need to idle if the end of your journey is through a town because low speed running is the equivalent of idling. Same applies to turbo petrol cars that have water cooled turbos but still benefit from idling before switching off.
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