Diesel Noob

[babyburb]

I drive an International school bus and I have a question.

In the mornings when I crank it up it starts off idling at 700rpm. Within a couple of minutes it starts to slowly increase and if I let it go it will rise to 1500rpm. Is this some type of fast idle built in to get the bus warmed up?

Is 1500rpm too much to be at an idle? It sounds like it is winding pretty good. I would like to get back in my warm truck in the morning and let the bus warm up but I wasn't sure if I could let the bus idle at 1500rpm for 10 minutes or so.

Thanks for the help guys

 

[6.2Blazer]

Assuming it's a newer model year it can be quite common for a vehicle to raise the idle speed when sitting for an extended period of time when it's cold out. I don't know the details right off hand but raising the idle is actually better/easier on the engine in cold weather.

So no, it won't hurt anything.

 

[cabledawg]

Back in 03, my shop got a new International 5ton dump. It would do the same thing until the engine was warm, then back down to around 5-700 rpms. I think it is designed to help warm the engine faster and like 6.2blazer said, it doesnt really hurt anything. But I'm not a diesel expert so I could be wrong.

 

[6.2Blazer]

I should have clarified, we have had new trucks that would raise the idle quite substantially after sitting stationary for awhile even if they were already warmed up (i.e. had just come back to the shop after several hours of driving).

 

[babyburb]

THanks for the feedback guys. Now I can sit in my warm truck and not worry.

 

[1BadHemiJeep]

man that's quite a beast of a bus you're running there, good luck with it bro!

 

[1BadHemiJeep]

THanks for the feedback guys. Now I can sit in my warm truck and not worry.

hahaha that's the spirit man, enjoy it!

 

[tuggy24g]

You drive a bus? You a bus driver?

 

[Apocalypse]

some engines have a fast idle to keep the temperatures and the rings sealing. if a engine is left to idle for to long its not good for it. especially in the case of a diesel

 

[babyburb]

You drive a bus? You a bus driver?

Been driving abus for about 4 years now. Started off in a 77 passanger flat nose hauling between 60 and 77 kids. DId that for an entire year then was offered over twice my pay to drive for a special ed bus. Now I have drive a short bus with a/c and a radio and I am home by 4:15. My first bus route didn't end until 4:30 and I wouldn't get back to my house until 5. I have 3 little kids in the morning and 1 teen in the evening. I love my job!

Thanks for the input guys.