Mercedes Mullins
Ford truck enthusiasts have long debated the fuel economy of diesel engines at idle. While some claim that idling does not harm the engine, others argue that it can damage the environment and cost a lot of money in fuel. In reality, idling a diesel truck engine for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than powering down and restarting the engine. A heavy-duty diesel truck, for example, wastes approximately 1 gallon of fuel per hour at idle. This can quickly add up to high fuel costs, especially with frequent or lengthy idling periods. However, there are idling reduction technologies and behavioural changes that truck owners can adopt to minimise fuel consumption and engine wear caused by idling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption for a Ford diesel engine at idle | 0.5-1 gallon per hour |
| Fuel consumption for a 6.0L Ford diesel engine at idle | 0.5 gallon per hour |
| Fuel consumption for a 7.3L gas engine at idle | 2.9-3.2L per hour |
| Fuel consumption for a 6.7L engine at idle | 2L per hour |
| Fuel consumption for a 1.9L ALH engine at idle | 0.3-0.35 gallons per hour |
| Fuel consumption for a 14.9L DD15 engine at idle | 0.6-0.8 gallons per hour |
| Fuel consumption for a 2.8L 4jb1-T ISUZU Rodeo engine at idle with AC on | 0.6 liters per hour |
| Fuel consumption for a 7.3L Powerstroke engine at idle with AC on | 0.33 gallons per hour |
| Fuel consumption for a DD15 engine at idle | 0.66 gallons per hour |
| Effect of idling on engine wear | One hour of idling per day over a year is equivalent to 64,000 miles in engine wear |
| Effect of idling on fuel efficiency | Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine |
| Effect of idling on the environment | Negative impact due to increased fuel consumption |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel consumption depends on the model
The engine type also makes a difference in fuel consumption. For example, the Ford F-150 with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine has a higher fuel economy than the 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Similarly, the Ford Maverick with the standard hybrid engine gets an estimated 40 MPG in the city, while the turbocharged engine has lower efficiency.
The Ford Explorer, a three-row SUV, offers a combined fuel efficiency of 24 MPG with its standard engine. However, opting for a more powerful V8 engine in the Mustang will result in lower fuel efficiency, with a combined fuel efficiency of 25 MPG.
Fuel consumption during idle varies across models and engine types. Some estimates suggest that the 6.7L PSD engine uses about half a gallon of fuel per hour at idle, while the 7.3 gas engine burns 2.9-3.2L per hour, depending on accessories. The 6.7 engine burns around 2L per hour, and a deleted 6.7 engine can idle for extended periods without issue.
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Idling for over 10 seconds wastes fuel
Idling a Ford diesel engine for over 10 seconds wastes fuel and can be harmful to the environment and your health. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, idling for just 10 seconds wastes more gas than restarting the engine, and an idling car releases as much pollution as a moving car. This includes harmful pollutants that have been linked to serious illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and cancer.
Ford truck enthusiasts have reported varying fuel consumption rates for idling diesel engines, with estimates ranging from 0.5 gallons per hour to 2 gallons per hour. One source mentions that a 6.0L Ford diesel engine burns approximately 0.5 gallons of fuel per hour at idle, while another source states that a 6.7L PSD Ford diesel engine may use up to 0.5 gallons of fuel per hour when idling.
To reduce fuel waste and minimize environmental impact, it is recommended to avoid idling whenever possible. Turning off the engine when stopped for more than 60 seconds, except in traffic, can help conserve fuel and reduce emissions. Additionally, modern engines do not require extended warming up periods, so it is more fuel-efficient to warm up the engine by driving slowly and avoiding excessive revving.
While idling may be necessary in certain situations, such as during extended periods of stationary operation or in extreme weather conditions, excessive idling can lead to increased fuel consumption and engine wear. Implementing personal idling policies or utilizing idle speed increase devices can help strike a balance between operational needs and fuel efficiency.
Overall, being mindful of unnecessary idling can not only save fuel and reduce environmental impact but also contribute to improved air quality and public health.
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Fuel economy is worse in winter
Fuel economy is a measure of how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically expressed in miles per gallon (mpg) or litres per 100 kilometres. Several factors influence fuel economy, including driving habits, vehicle type and engine size, and environmental conditions. One notable factor is the impact of cold temperatures and winter driving conditions, which can lead to a notable deterioration in fuel economy.
As the temperature drops, fuel economy can worsen for both conventional gasoline vehicles and hybrids. Fuel economy tests reveal that conventional gasoline cars experience a decrease in gas mileage of approximately 15% in city driving at 20°F compared to 77°F. This effect becomes more pronounced for short trips, ranging from 3 to 4 miles, where fuel economy can deteriorate by as much as 24%. The impact is even more significant for hybrids, witnessing a decline in fuel economy of about 30% to 34% in such conditions. Electric vehicles (EVs) also face a substantial reduction in fuel economy, with a drop of approximately 39% in mixed city and highway driving, along with a 41% decrease in range.
The reasons behind this phenomenon lie in the nature of cold weather and its impact on various vehicle components. Firstly, colder air is denser due to the closer proximity and slower movement of air molecules. As a result, the vehicle encounters increased aerodynamic drag, demanding more effort from the engine to propel the car through the denser air. Secondly, tyre pressure decreases with lower temperatures, leading to higher rolling resistance. Additionally, winter-grade gasoline may contain slightly less energy per gallon compared to summer blends, further impacting fuel economy.
The performance of batteries also tends to decline in cold weather, making it more challenging for the alternator to keep the battery charged. This issue extends to hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs, affecting the regenerative braking system's efficiency. Moreover, severe winter weather conditions, such as icy or snow-covered roads, further reduce fuel economy. Lower driving speeds on slippery roads result in decreased fuel efficiency, especially when travelling below 30 to 40 mph.
To mitigate the impact of winter on fuel economy, some measures can be considered. Keeping the vehicle in a warmer environment, such as a garage, helps minimise the temperature difference between the ambient and operating temperatures. Additionally, limiting idle time can improve fuel economy, as idling results in 0 miles per gallon. Implementing a high idle setup can be beneficial, as it increases exhaust heat and reduces soot buildup, although it also increases fuel usage during idling.
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Idling reduction technologies
The amount of fuel burned by a Ford diesel engine while idling varies depending on the engine size and accessories. For example, a 7.3-litre gas engine burns 2.9-3.2 litres per hour at idle, while a 6.7-litre engine burns around 2 litres per hour. A 6.0-litre engine burns about half a gallon of fuel per hour when idling, according to some estimates.
- Electrification and Auxiliary Power Units (APUs): Electrification technology uses electricity-powered components to provide climate control and auxiliary power without idling the main engine. This can be achieved through on-board equipment (e.g. power inverters, plugs) or off-board equipment (e.g. electrified parking spaces, heating/cooling systems). Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) fuelled by diesel are also being developed for use as APUs.
- Automatic Engine Shut-Down and Start-Up Systems: These systems automatically shut down and restart the engine to reduce unnecessary idling.
- Battery-Powered Cabin Heating and Air Conditioning Devices: These devices provide climate control for the cabin without running the main engine, reducing fuel consumption during idling.
- Diesel-Fired Heating Systems: While diesel-fired heating systems do not directly reduce idling, they can provide an efficient alternative to idling for maintaining cabin temperature.
- Driver Training and Financial Incentives: Educating drivers about the negative impacts of long-duration idling can help change their behaviour. Additionally, fleet owners can offer financial incentives to encourage drivers to reduce idling.
These IRTs not only reduce fuel consumption but also contribute to decreasing emissions, improving air quality, and promoting more sustainable vehicle operations.
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Cost of idling
The cost of idling a diesel engine can be significant, and it is a common misconception that idling is a cost-effective way to warm up an engine or save fuel. In reality, idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine, and a heavy-duty diesel truck can waste up to 1 gallon of fuel per hour when idling. This can add up to a substantial amount over time, with estimates suggesting that eliminating idling can save up to $15,000 per vehicle per year in fuel costs, maintenance, and depreciation.
For example, a Ford 6.0L diesel engine reportedly burns about half a gallon of fuel per hour at idle, which can quickly increase fuel costs, especially during long periods of idleness. Additionally, idling can lead to increased maintenance costs due to more frequent filter and belt replacements, and it can also cause excessive soot buildup in the DPF, resulting in more frequent regens.
Furthermore, idling has a negative impact on the environment, increasing pollutants in the atmosphere, and it can also lead to fines in certain states. While there may be minor maintenance costs associated with reducing idling, such as investing in a diesel-powered APU, the long-term savings in fuel and maintenance can be significant.
To reduce the costs and environmental impact of idling, it is recommended to limit idle time and utilize approved idle speed increase devices or high idle setups for extended idle periods. These measures can help increase the heat in the exhaust, reduce soot buildup, and improve fuel efficiency during idle periods. Overall, the cost of idling a diesel engine can be substantial, and by taking steps to reduce idle time, significant savings and environmental benefits can be achieved.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, a heavy-duty diesel truck wastes 1 gallon of fuel for every hour it idles. However, this varies depending on the make and model of the engine. For example, a 6.0L Ford engine burns about half a gallon per hour, while a 7.3 gas engine burns 2.9-3.2L/hour at idle.
Idling is necessary for diesel engines to keep systems running and to allow the driver to resume their journey without having to restart the engine. This is especially important for drivers on long hauls who need to run their engines to stay warm or cool while resting.
To reduce fuel consumption at idle, you can adopt idling reduction technologies (IRTs) or behaviour changes. IRT devices can reduce long-duration idling, and fleet owners can offer education and financial incentives to operators to reduce idling.
Yes, too much idling can wreak havoc on your diesel engine, cost you a lot of money, damage the environment, and present a nuisance for those around you. Idling for more than 10 seconds wastes more fuel than powering down and restarting the engine.
