LargeMarge
Well-known member
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a)
Driving an engine is a different can of worms compared to extended idling.
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Example:
In the olden days, during federal-mandatory off-duty hours, a semi driver might idle the rig to keep the cab comfortable during rough weather.
The problem:
* an idling engine allows unburnt fuel to slip past the piston rings.
That unburnt fuel eventually drains into the crankcase (aka 'the dips').
As you might suspect, fuel makes a poor lubricant.
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So...
Two things happen simultaneously:
* excess fuel worshes the lube from the cylinder walls, drastically reducing time-between-overhauls (TBO)
* fuel in the lube dilutes its ability to lubricate, plus reduces its ability to transfer heat from critical components.
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I think your idling plan has merit... in some circumstances.
I think a different plan could save repairs.
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Of course, none of this is applicable in California.
As I understand it, idling is limited to four (4) minutes.
Real-World:
My sister over-nighted near frisco.
Next morn, she started the rig to build air while accomplishing her federal-mandatory walk-around.
Apparently, she exceeded the four-minute rule, and received an expensive ticket for her efforts.
Who snitched?
The mail-delivery gal... idling nearby while fussing with the post... federally exempt from state rules.
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California, federals.
Do not get me started.
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b)
I think we can all agree, we can spot a live-aboard pretty darn easy.
Accordingly, the concept of 'stealth' is kaput.
Let's retire 'stealth', it does not exist, it never existed.
