Any problem idling a gas turbo engine?

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Palut

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I've got a Focus ST with the 2.0 Ecoboost, and at times I'd like to be able to do an extended idle, something like 2-4 hours. I didn't worry about it with my previous N/A engines, but turbos are new to me.

Is there any problem with idling a turbo engine for an extended period of time?

Thanks!
 
The turbo will not be creating boost, even if you fast idled it. Should be very benign duty for it.
 
Boost levels are minimal at low rpms. I have a fee turbo diesels, owned a few turbo gassers too. I idle times on everything is extremely exessive. No problem with idle. My buddy has a vw with a 2.5 stroker 2.3 ford with turbo running on excusively on e-85/e-98 blend or e-98 ussually. He idles eight to ten hours plus six days a week. He experiend no major engine problems either.

Ken
 
There are some turbo systems that keep the turbo spun up even at low throttle (though I do not know if low throttle goes all the way down to idle). These turbo systems that keep the turbo spun up have very little turbo lag time.

I do not know what vehicles use this system, but if your vehicle is like that, you would have to take a hard look at long time idles.
 
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Your turbo should kick in after 2000rpm. For example on my fiat boost is 0 driving at 65mph on flat hwy,below it's vacuum,above=boost. And I get around 40mpg if turbo is not activated.
BtW congrats on fun car! I like those, but haven't drove one yet. And actually it is recomended to idle turbo car after spirited driving to cool down turbo. Not so much with modern cars, but still won't hurt a thing if you let it idle for several mins.
 
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Originally Posted By: Palut
I've got a Focus ST with the 2.0 Ecoboost, and at times I'd like to be able to do an extended idle, something like 2-4 hours. I didn't worry about it with my previous N/A engines, but turbos are new to me.

Is there any problem with idling a turbo engine for an extended period of time?

Thanks!


Why idling it so long? Get a remote starter if needed.
 
Originally Posted By: Palut
I've got a Focus ST with the 2.0 Ecoboost, and at times I'd like to be able to do an extended idle, something like 2-4 hours. I didn't worry about it with my previous N/A engines, but turbos are new to me.

Is there any problem with idling a turbo engine for an extended period of time?

Thanks!


Unloaded operation is unlikely to damage anything.
 
Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
your cat will probably be damaged

Extended idling does not damage the cat. Except for the turbo--on which I can't offer comment--extended idling does no damage at all.
 
Originally Posted By: aualtima3.5
Yeah, but what's the reason for 4 hours of idling? That's crazy.


My father in law did 10 hours running a 3000 watt invertor during a power outage. He was happy with boiler working, fridge, tv and cable riding out a northeaster ocean front with his F150 idling away with some water at high tide nearly up to doors surging around it.
 
Is this an F150 with a contractor's option, which essentially lets the truck produce electricity?

Somehow, I can't imagine a Focus with this option.
 
Originally Posted By: Tegger
Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
your cat will probably be damaged

Extended idling does not damage the cat.

Probably won't, but it can. The cat needs heat to properly work. At idle, it might not get enough heat, and clogging could be an issue.
 
Originally Posted By: whip
Originally Posted By: Tegger
Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
your cat will probably be damaged

Extended idling does not damage the cat.

Probably won't, but it can. The cat needs heat to properly work. At idle, it might not get enough heat, and clogging could be an issue.


Tell that to the police who idle vehicles all day long in construction locations...
 
Originally Posted By: TFB1
Originally Posted By: whip
Originally Posted By: Tegger
Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
your cat will probably be damaged

Extended idling does not damage the cat.

Probably won't, but it can. The cat needs heat to properly work. At idle, it might not get enough heat, and clogging could be an issue.


Tell that to the police who idle vehicles all day long in construction locations...

I have a friend that's a police officer. I texted that message to him. I'll let you know what his response is.
 
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