Rajan Wilcox
There are differing opinions on whether it is safe to leave a diesel engine running while refueling. Some people argue that it is safe because diesel fuel has a high flash point, making it less flammable than gasoline. Others claim that it is important to let the engine cool down before shutting it off, especially if it has been running for a long time or at high speeds. However, others maintain that it is unnecessary and a waste of fuel to leave the engine running, and that it may even be harmful to the system in newer diesel engines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Diesel fuel has a high flash point, making it less flammable than gasoline. However, some people argue that leaving a diesel engine running while fueling can cause fuel to splash and foam, sucking air into the fuel system and stalling the engine. |
| Engine Longevity | Some believe that turning the engine on and off repeatedly can add wear and tear to the starter and charging system. Others argue that newer diesel engines should limit unneeded idling to prevent build-up in the emissions system. |
| Convenience | In cold weather, some diesel owners let their engines idle while refueling to keep the vehicle warm and ensure it restarts in cold temperatures. |
| Turbo Cool Down | Diesel engines may be left running while refueling to allow the turbo to cool down before oil flow stops, especially after driving at high speeds or on long trips. |
| Fuel Efficiency | Some diesel owners believe that it uses more fuel to start the engine than to leave it running. However, others claim that this is a myth, and modern diesel engines use very little fuel when idling. |
| Legal Compliance | Some states have laws that require vehicles to be turned off while refueling. |
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What You'll Learn
- It is argued that letting a diesel engine idle while refuelling is beneficial for the longevity of the motor and its bearings
- Some people leave their diesel engines running while refuelling to avoid starter issues
- Others suggest that it is unnecessary to leave the engine running as it does not use more fuel to start than to leave it running
- In some states, it is against the law to leave a diesel engine running while refuelling
- Some people suggest that it is safe to leave a diesel engine running while refuelling because diesel fuel has a high flash point
It is argued that letting a diesel engine idle while refuelling is beneficial for the longevity of the motor and its bearings
However, others disagree with this practice, stating that leaving a diesel engine running while refuelling has nothing to do with the longevity of the engine. They argue that modern diesel engines are designed to handle frequent start-ups and that leaving the engine running is unnecessary. Additionally, some people find it annoying or consider it a waste of fuel.
There are also safety concerns associated with leaving a diesel engine running while refuelling. While diesel fuel has a high flash point and is less flammable than gasoline, there is still a risk of fuel splashing and causing issues with the fuel system, as mentioned by some users. In addition, it is against the law in several US states to leave a vehicle running while refuelling, and some companies have standard practices to shut off vehicles during refuelling.
Overall, while there are arguments for both sides, the decision to leave a diesel engine idle while refuelling is ultimately a matter of personal preference and discretion. Some mechanics recommend limiting unnecessary idling in newer diesel engines, especially for extended periods, as it can be harmful to the system. Short idles or longer idles in colder temperatures are generally considered acceptable. Proper turbo cool-down is important, and it is recommended to let the engine idle for a few minutes before shutting it down after a long trip or heavy use.
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Some people leave their diesel engines running while refuelling to avoid starter issues
There are a few reasons why this practice may have originated. One reason is the concern about oil pressure. Some engineers argue that starting a diesel engine without allowing the oil pressure to build up to normal psi can add wear and tear to the engine's surfaces and the starter motor. Therefore, leaving the engine running while refuelling ensures that the oil pressure remains constant.
Another reason could be the climate conditions. In colder climates, diesel engines can be challenging to start due to the thickening of the engine oil. By leaving the engine running, owners ensure that the engine stays warm and is easier to start after refuelling. This is especially important for older diesel engines, which may have more starting issues in cold weather.
Additionally, some diesel engines, particularly older ones, may have issues with the turbocharger. Allowing the engine to idle after a long drive can help cool down the turbocharger before the oil flow stops. This practice can prevent potential damage to the turbocharger and improve the overall longevity of the engine.
However, it is important to note that modern diesel engines may not require this practice as frequently. Newer diesel engines are designed to limit unnecessary idling and are less susceptible to starter issues. Additionally, extended idling can be harmful to the engine and emissions systems in newer models. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult the vehicle's manual and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal engine performance and maintenance.
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Others suggest that it is unnecessary to leave the engine running as it does not use more fuel to start than to leave it running
Some people believe that leaving a diesel engine running while refuelling is unnecessary, as it does not use more fuel to start the engine than to leave it running. This belief is supported by several online forum users who have shared their experiences and insights. One user mentions that their starter has never given them any trouble despite frequent start-and-stop cycles, indicating that leaving the engine running is unnecessary for starter longevity. Additionally, they observe that their truck burns almost no fuel at idle, and restarting it likely uses less fuel.
Another user shares a similar experience, stating that they have never turned their truck off while refuelling and have never encountered any issues. They attribute the safety of this practice to the high flash point of diesel fuel, which makes it less flammable than gasoline. This claim is supported by another user who conducted an experiment where they held a match close to diesel fuel, and it did not ignite.
Forum users also provide insights into the potential benefits of idling a diesel engine in certain scenarios. One user mentions that they let their diesel engine idle during the winter to keep the vehicle warm and avoid potential issues with restarting in cold temperatures. This practice is also observed by others in extremely cold climates, where diesel trucks are left idling in parking lots. Additionally, some users mention that idling can be beneficial to cool down the turbo after a long trip or when pulling a heavy trailer. By letting the turbo cool down, users can prevent oil from roasting in the lines and causing damage to bearings.
While some users advocate for idling in specific situations, others emphasize the importance of limiting unnecessary idling, especially with newer diesel engines. Mechanics advise that modern diesel engines should be kept working to prevent emissions system build-up. Short idles or longer idles in cold weather are generally considered acceptable, but prolonged idling can be harmful to the engine. Therefore, it is recommended to limit idling as much as possible to maintain optimal engine performance and reduce emissions.
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In some states, it is against the law to leave a diesel engine running while refuelling
Leaving a diesel engine running while refuelling is a common practice among owners of diesel automobiles, work trucks, and forklifts. Some people believe that it uses more fuel to start the engine than to leave it running, while others argue that turning off the engine adds wear and tear to the starter. Additionally, some people want to avoid the potential embarrassment of not being able to restart their vehicle after refuelling.
However, it is important to note that in some states, it is against the law to leave a diesel engine running while refuelling. For example, in California, it is illegal to refill an internal combustion engine fuel tank with a flammable liquid while the engine is running. This law is in place to reduce the risk of igniting fuel vapours and causing a fire or explosion.
Similar laws and regulations exist in other jurisdictions worldwide, although the specific rules may vary. For instance, in some places, it may be permissible to leave the engine running if it is necessary for proper turbo cool-down, especially after a hard run, to prevent oil from roasting in the lines and cooling the bearings.
It is essential to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding refuelling diesel engines and to follow any safety guidelines provided by the fuel pump or station. While the risk of ignition may be low, it is important to minimise potential hazards by reducing the number of moving parts and live electronics that could create a spark. Additionally, it is always good practice to touch your vehicle before handling the pump handle to discharge any static electricity.
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Some people suggest that it is safe to leave a diesel engine running while refuelling because diesel fuel has a high flash point
It is a common practice for some people to leave their diesel engines running while refuelling. While this may be a standard practice for some, others prefer to turn off their engines. There are several reasons why some people choose to keep their diesel engines running. One common reason is the belief that it uses more fuel to start the engine than to leave it running. However, this is a myth, and modern diesel engines are designed to handle frequent starts and stops without significant additional wear.
Another reason for leaving a diesel engine running while refuelling is to allow the turbo to cool down. Diesel engines, particularly those in trucks and heavy equipment, may have been running at high speeds or under heavy load immediately prior to refuelling. Turning off the engine abruptly can cause hot oil to roast in the lines and bearings, potentially damaging the engine. By allowing the engine to idle, the turbo and oil temperatures can gradually decrease, preventing potential damage.
While leaving a diesel engine running while refuelling may be a common practice for some, it is important to consider local laws and regulations. In some states and countries, it is against the law to leave a vehicle running while refuelling, and it is mandatory to shut off the engine. Additionally, there are potential drawbacks to leaving a diesel engine running. For example, if the fuel tank is very low, the splashing fuel during refuelling can get air into the fuel pickup, causing the engine to stall. This may require manual priming or a mechanic's intervention to get the engine running again.
Overall, while some people suggest that it is safe to leave a diesel engine running while refuelling due to the high flash point of diesel fuel, there are mixed opinions on this practice. It is essential to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as local regulations, when making an informed decision about whether to leave a diesel engine running during refuelling.
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Frequently asked questions
The chances of something happening while refueling a diesel engine are slim to none due to diesel fuel having a high flash point. However, some people have reported that if the tank is very low, the fuel sloshing in and foaming up can suck air into the fuel system and cause the engine to stall. Additionally, it is against the law in many places to leave your engine running while refueling.
Some people believe that it uses more fuel to start an engine than to leave it running, although this is a myth. Others want to let the engine idle so that the turbo can cool down before oil flow stops.
Aside from the safety risks and legal issues mentioned above, some people find it annoying or silly to have to listen to a diesel engine idling at the pumps. Additionally, some newer diesel engines may be less friendly to longer idling due to emissions considerations.
