Idling down - Feeling Stupid

[Valhalla]

OP, noticed you live in phoenix, makes me feel it is the fan even more. Probably a good practice during hotter months to let this cool down to slower fan speed if you are looking for longer engine life.

Sponsored

 

[DALOLA]

Idling a minute or two after extended (N.O.T. has been reached) operation is not necessary, but is also fractionally beneficial, as it will lower fluid temps fractionally prior to shutdown.

OP, was this a one time experiment for you? As mentioned, it was most likely cooling fan noise that you noticed, but if you are really curious, next time, throw it into park, pop the hood, jump out & observe. It will probably behave differently each time, pending temps at time of shut down. The only thing audibly noticeable in this scenario is HVAC & cooling fans (often working together).

 

[Fordified1]

If you just exited the freeway after running it hard or after a quarter mile pass (been in boost) then yes it’s bad to shut is down while the turbo is at elevated temperature. But in most circumstances, we are idling around a parking lot looking for a parking space or through our neighborhood and up our driveway, or back to the pits after a drag pass, or even back to the camper after wheeling, and it has plenty of time to cool off before shutting it down. The exhaust side of the turbo can actually get glowing red hot when in boost for a while and shutting it down too quickly will cook the oil that’s normally flowing through helping to cool it and now is not.

 

[Thor_1]

If you just exited the freeway after running it hard or after a quarter mile pass (been in boost) then yes it’s bad to shut is down while the turbo is at elevated temperature. But in most circumstances, we are idling around a parking lot looking for a parking space or through our neighborhood and up our driveway, or back to the pits after a drag pass, or even back to the camper after wheeling, and it has plenty of time to cool off before shutting it down. The exhaust side of the turbo can actually get glowing red hot when in boost for a while and shutting it down too quickly will cook the oil that’s normally flowing through helping to cool it and now is not.

This is the answer.

 

[BillyB]

What does your "boost" gauge read doing this time period?

 

[Valhalla]

(10 psi!)

 

[userdude]

Get some fans for that beeyotch.

 

[RedDawg]

What does your "boost" gauge read doing this time period?

There is no boost. I’m stopped,, parked and just idling.
I am leaning towards the cooling fan answer. It makes the most sense with the information everyone is providing.

Still feeling stupid.

 

[CactusBob]

I'm sure the Auto Start/Stop feature, that the Ford Engineers implemented, negates any benefit to letting these engines idle. Plenty of times I have gotten off a highway and the engine shuts off at the stoplight...

 

[Eldowerks]

A.S.S. sacrificing engine components on the alter of fuel efficiency/C.A.F.E. standards.

 

[DALOLA]

A.S.S. sacrificing engine components on the alter of fuel efficiency/C.A.F.E. standards.

There are safety margins baked into the algorithms that will defeat the process. While annoying, it is not detrimental to engine components designed for it.

 

[Eldowerks]

One can always hope.
Akin to trusting in the designed longevity of MIC tops.

 

[Fordified1]

A.S.S. sacrificing engine components on the alter of fuel efficiency/C.A.F.E. standards.

Same with the thin oil they put in the gear boxes for efficiency, vs longevity. Algorithms my ass. They’re building hundred thousand mile trucks instead of 200-300,000 mile trucks. You can abuse your turbo all you want. It will probably last 100,000 miles. But will it last 200,000 or will it fail early?

 

[Willub]

If you just exited the freeway after running it hard or after a quarter mile pass (been in boost) then yes it’s bad to shut is down while the turbo is at elevated temperature. But in most circumstances, we are idling around a parking lot looking for a parking space or through our neighborhood and up our driveway, or back to the pits after a drag pass, or even back to the camper after wheeling, and it has plenty of time to cool off before shutting it down. The exhaust side of the turbo can actually get glowing red hot when in boost for a while and shutting it down too quickly will cook the oil that’s normally flowing through helping to cool it and now is not.

Like someone has already mentioned, coolant continues to flow throughout the system after you shut the vehicle off.

 

[GeoBig]

PSA

I’ve read many times about letting your turbo “idle down”. I assumed this meant not to turn off your engine immediately. Let it idle for a few seconds before turning it off.

Nope. I experienced it today, and feel a bit stupid.

If you wait about 45 to 60 seconds after stopping and putting it in park, the engine noise changes. Your RPMs don’t, but you can hear the engine “idle down”.

Very important for the life of your turbos…….or so I heard.

I've heard the change in sound too, and know what you're taking about.

I always let my Bronco run for 30 seconds or more in park after a drive -- I forget his name at the moment, but that frenetic older mechanic guy with the glasses on YT did a video about saving turbos by letting them cool down, and since it's no skin off my nose, I just do it.

Sponsored