Katerina Swanson
There are several reasons why people might choose to keep their diesel engines running while refuelling. One of the most common reasons is to allow the turbo to cool down, especially after a long or hard drive. Some people also believe that turning an engine on and off can cause more wear and tear than leaving it running, and that it uses more fuel to start an engine than to let it idle. However, others argue that leaving an engine running while refuelling is unnecessary and even harmful to the engine. Diesel fuel has a high flash point, so the risk of ignition is low, but some people still consider it unsafe to refuel a running vehicle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Diesel has a high flash point, so there is a low risk of ignition when refuelling compared to gasoline. |
| Engine Wear | Some sources claim that turning the engine on and off frequently can add wear and tear to the starter and charging system. |
| Turbo Cooling | Running the engine while refuelling can help cool the turbo before shutting down. |
| Fuel Consumption | Diesel engines use very little fuel when idling. |
| Legality | It is illegal in several U.S. states to leave a diesel engine running while refuelling. |
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What You'll Learn
- Safety: Diesel has a high flash point, so there's a low risk of ignition
- Convenience: Some prefer to keep the engine running to avoid restarting it
- Turbo cool down: Idling lets oil flow into the turbo, helping it cool down
- Fuel consumption: Diesel vehicles use little fuel when idling
- Legality: It's illegal in some states to refuel a running diesel vehicle
Safety: Diesel has a high flash point, so there's a low risk of ignition
The flash point of a fuel is the lowest temperature at which vapours from the fuel will ignite when exposed to an ignition source. Diesel has a high flash point, ranging from 52 to 96 °C (126 to 205 °F). This is significantly higher than gasoline, which has a flashpoint of -43 °C.
The higher the flash point, the lower the risk of ignition. This is because a higher flash point means a higher temperature is required to ignite the vapours. As a result, diesel is less likely to ignite than gasoline.
The low risk of ignition of diesel fuel is due to its high flash point. This makes it safer to handle and store than gasoline. Diesel engines also have no ignition source, such as spark plugs, which further reduces the risk of accidental ignition.
The flash point of a fuel is a critical safety parameter. It is important to know the flash point of a fuel to ensure safe transportation, storage, and usage. Understanding the flash point can help prevent fires and explosions, which can occur if the fuel ignites unintentionally.
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Convenience: Some prefer to keep the engine running to avoid restarting it
Convenience is a key factor when it comes to refuelling diesel engines, and this often influences the decision to keep the engine running or not. For some, the inconvenience of restarting a diesel engine is a significant consideration. Diesel engines can be challenging to start, especially in cold weather, and the process may require additional steps such as priming the engine or using specific procedures.
Many diesel vehicle owners and operators express a preference for keeping the engine running while refuelling to avoid the hassle of restarting. This preference is particularly prominent among those who drive diesel trucks and those who operate diesel engines in colder climates. The perception is that restarting a diesel engine can be more difficult and time-consuming than refuelling with the engine running.
In colder regions, diesel engine owners often opt to keep their engines running during refuelling to maintain warmth inside the vehicle. This is especially relevant for those who reside in areas with extremely low temperatures, as diesel engines may struggle to restart in such conditions. Additionally, some individuals feel that the potential inconvenience of restarting their vehicle in cold weather outweighs any perceived benefits of turning it off during the brief refuelling process.
The decision to keep a diesel engine running during refuelling is also influenced by the belief that it helps to cool the turbocharger. After driving for extended periods or under demanding conditions, such as climbing steep grades or towing heavy loads, allowing the engine to idle can aid in cooling the turbocharger before the oil flow stops. This practice is considered beneficial for engine health and is a standard procedure for large industrial diesel generators as well.
While some individuals prioritise convenience and turbocharger cooling by keeping their diesel engines running during refuelling, others choose to turn off their engines. This decision may be influenced by personal preferences, environmental considerations, or adherence to local regulations.
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Turbo cool down: Idling lets oil flow into the turbo, helping it cool down
While it is generally advised to shut off a vehicle while refuelling, some people choose to leave their engines running. This is a common practice among diesel vehicles, as diesel has a high flash point, making it less flammable than gasoline.
Now, regarding the topic of turbo cool down, it is important to understand the role of idling. Idling a turbo engine before shutting it down allows oil to flow into the turbocharger, helping to cool it down. This process is particularly crucial for older vehicles with oil-cooled turbos, as newer models often have water-cooled turbos.
When a turbocharged vehicle is driven hard, the turbocharger can reach extremely high temperatures, sometimes up to 900 degrees Celsius. If the engine is shut off immediately, the turbocharger experiences thermal shock, causing stress that can reduce its lifespan. By idling the engine for a short period, typically one to two minutes, the oil circulates and lubricates the turbocharger, preventing oil residue from forming and clogging the turbo lines.
Additionally, idling allows the exhaust gas temperatures to gradually decrease, further aiding in the cooling process. This gradual cool-down is similar to the recommended practice of letting a cast iron manifold burn out overnight after welding to prevent stress points from forming.
While some modern turbochargers have water-cooled systems and electric coolant pumps to regulate temperature, idling can still be beneficial for overall engine health. It is important to refer to the specific recommendations provided by the vehicle manufacturer, as some vehicles may require a longer or shorter idling period for optimal turbocharger maintenance.
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Fuel consumption: Diesel vehicles use little fuel when idling
Diesel vehicles use little fuel when idling. This is because diesel has a high flash point, so there is a significantly lower risk of refueling compared to gasoline. The viscosity of the oil does not change in the time it takes to fill a tank, and it is tough to get gas fumes to the right point to ignite.
Some people prefer to let their diesel engines idle while refueling, especially when it is very hot or cold outside. They may also want to let the turbo cool down, as the oil flow helps to cool the turbo. However, others argue that letting a diesel engine idle while refueling is bad for the engine due to cylinder wash down. In addition, long idles can be harmful to the system.
Some people also argue that turning off a diesel engine and then turning it back on again can cause more wear and tear on the engine and its bearings. However, others disagree, stating that this is a myth. In addition, some people note that they are more concerned about the embarrassment of their vehicle not starting again than any potential wear and tear.
There are also safety concerns about letting a diesel engine idle while refueling. While diesel fuel is less flammable than gasoline, there is still a small risk of something happening if fuel is spilled all over the engine. In addition, some U.S. states have rules against letting a vehicle run while refueling, and some fuel stations have policies requiring vehicles to be turned off during refueling.
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Legality: It's illegal in some states to refuel a running diesel vehicle
While refuelling a diesel vehicle with its engine running may be safe in most cases, it is illegal in some states. For example, in the United Arab Emirates, local regulations require that the engine be switched off while refuelling. Similarly, at some job sites, it is mandatory to shut off any vehicle or heavy equipment before fuelling.
The practice of refuelling a diesel vehicle with its engine running is a topic of debate among drivers and operators. Some argue that it is safe due to diesel's high flash point, which ranges between 52 and 96 °C (126 and 205 °F). This makes diesel less flammable than gasoline, reducing the risk of fires or explosions during refuelling.
However, others point out potential issues with this practice. For instance, if the tank is very low, the fuel may slosh around and cause air to be sucked into the fuel system, leading to mechanical issues. Additionally, some newer vehicles may throw a trouble code if the gas cap is removed while the engine is running.
Despite the varying opinions, the legality of refuelling a running diesel vehicle is clear in certain jurisdictions, such as the United Arab Emirates and specific job sites. It is important for drivers and operators to be aware of the local regulations and adhere to them, even if they have differing personal views on the safety of the practice.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe to fuel a diesel engine while it is running. Diesel fuel has a high flashpoint, so there is a very low risk of it igniting.
Some people refuel diesel engines while they are still running to avoid the wear and tear of turning the engine on and off. Others do it to cool down the turbo.
There are a few potential disadvantages to refueling a diesel engine while it's running. Firstly, it may be illegal in some states. Secondly, it can be dangerous if the fuel sloshes around and gets air into the fuel system, which can kill the engine. Lastly, long idles can be harmful to the system.
Refueling a diesel engine while it is off means you do not have to burn any fuel during the refueling process.
