Should I run my diesel daily?

[Wantabus]

Hello all!

We finally found our bus, a 1999 GMC stv 6.5 detriot diesel. It's got $185,000. It's a 4 window shorty, bluebird body and we're quite happy with it.

It will be stationary for the next couple of months and I'm wondering should I be running it daily? And for how long? I am very unfamiliar with Diesel engines and appreciate any input here.

I do plan on beefing up on my diesel knowledge but want to treat the vehicle right in the mean time. Is there a good source for entry level knowledge? 'diesel for dummies?'

Thanks!!

 

[EastCoastCB]

Just fill the tank and add some diesel additive. Don't start it every day. Just start it in a couple months when you need to. I let mine sit for several months sometimes.

 

[Drew Bru]

Is there a good source for entry level knowledge? 'diesel for dummies?'

Wouldn't that be nice! That would be really helpful to all of us new diesel owners. There are several people on this board that really know their stuff (engine and other bus related issues) and it's best to heed their advice when they do post.

All advice I've seen on these boards points to "no....do not run your diesel unless you're going to drive it". Also, drive it for long enough to really get the engine up to operating temperature for a good while Too much unnecessary wear and tear on the engine as well as the possibility of introducing moisture to the engine, in the winter, due to condensation. I'm sure others will chime in with more knowledgeable insights.

 

[brokedown-SKO]

Use a battery tender to keep your battery full over the cold weather, cold temps will destroy discharged batteries.

 

[MarkyDee]

Use a battery tender to keep your battery full over the cold weather, cold temps will destroy discharged batteries.

Here's the one I've been using over the last 2 years:


https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-G7200-UltraSafe-Battery-Charger/dp/B004LWTHP2


I've been really happy with it - just bought a second! Long story on why....

 

[cadillackid]

you dont have to start it every day... like others said keep the batteries charged and use an additive to keep the fuel fresh.. HOWEVER when you do start it, warm it up all the way!.. if you cant drive it, then put it in high idle and run it till at least the thermostat opens (good warm air from the fan uinder the hood)... somewhere around 175-180 on the temp gauge is good..



one of the worst things you can do is start it for 5 minutes every day.. they need to get warmed up when you run them..



there are times I dont start one or the other of mine for a month at a time if im on work trips... when i do start them up i drive em around..



-Christopher

 

[Tango-SKO]

What Chris said. And an hours drive-about will help keep all the other goodies from seizing up from disuse. Oil & grease need to move about.

 

[FamilyCircus]

idling is the worst thing you can do to a Diesel engine. They don't like it, regardless of what the "truckers" say.

They dilute the engine oil, wash the cylinders down which removes the oil film from the cylinder walls and accelerates ware.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Yukon Cornelius-SKO]

idling is the worst thing you can do to a Diesel engine. They don't like it, regardless of what the "truckers" say.

They dilute the engine oil, wash the cylinders down which removes the oil film from the cylinder walls and accelerates ware.

Just my 2 cents.

Short tripping is worse than idling.....

any prolonged idling should be accompanied by working the engine before again letting it idle down and then stopping

 

[firebuild]

'diesel for dummies?'

My main advice would be to find the thread here that pertains to the drive train you have, and read read read. This is the most helpful site I have found.

My go-to "diesel for dummies" sites, other than here, are:

https://www.oilburners.net
https://www.thedieselstop.com

There are others too, but these are the ones that come to mind.

You might want to look at this thread I started, which has gotten pretty long:

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f34/do-i-need-to-start-my-bus-every-day-25552-4.html#post306652

My situation is different than yours but the thread is full of all kinds of great info.