Extended idling

[oilpan49]

I was sitting in a Doctor's office parking lot waiting to pick up my cousin. Since the weather is cold I just left the truck idle and put in neutral. I've read in my manual if the vehicle has to stay at idle for prolonged periods just put in neutral and set the parking brake. If I leave my truck at idle for over a minute the RPM's will creep up from about 800 or so to around 1000 until you hit the gas. I waited about 10mins total time until my cousin came out. Every now and then I would pop the gas to about 2000 RPM to get the idle back down to 800 and also thinking that this would help circulate things abit.

I was debating about just shut the truck off but I didn't feel it was necessary to shut it off and then restart 10mins later. Any thoughts or anything on this?? Thanks,,,,,,AR

 

[2004 F150 4x4]

It is probably better to let it idle at 1000rpm vs 800 rpm. The reason is better internal operating temps in the engine and better combustion in the cylinders due to correct or hotter operating temps. If correct temps are not reached inside the cylinder all the fuel will not get burned and in effect could "wash-out" the cylinders walls thus negating the effect of an oil lubricating film.

Hopefully I explained that correctly.
Good Luck.
Dave

 

[oilpan49]

Yea thanks man. Now that I think about it the way you mentioned it, it makes sense too. I'm just gonna bump this see If I can get some more opinions or something. Thanks,,,,AR

 

[mechtech]

If the engine is warmed up and in closed loop, and you have fuel injection, I wouldn't be concerned about fuel wash/dilution.
I would personally rev it up now and then, as you do, to get more heat.

 

[2004 F150 4x4]

Read his post, after he rev's it the engine rpm's drop?