Is it safe to run for extended idle times??

GCATX said:

I have let mine idle several times for over 30 minutes w/ no issue. One time I was trying to update Sync and left it running for a lot longer, maybe an hour or two, trying to get it to update over my home wifi.
Next day I went to drive off and solid white smoke out of the exhaust for a few minutes, didn't last long. Thinking back, I don't think I drove it anywhere that day. These trucks don't seem to build much heat at idle.
Most of the other times is when I arrive at a baseball field, my son gets out and I take a nap or whatever, usually about 45 minutes. Truck is already up to normal operating temp these times.

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melvimbe said:

I thought I read somewhere that you would need to stop for over 7 seconds before you'd see any MPG savings. If your stopping for less than 7 seconds, you're better off keeping the engine on.

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SnowyStang said:

Hey, this happened to me yesterday. I started the truck to cool it off before leaving with the family, but the toddler delayed us. So, I think it idled 30+ minutes, and then I saw it blowing smoke getting on the highway. I pulled over and saw it puffing out a bit. Once it blew its nose, it was done. Nothing since. I have 22k.

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GCATX said:

I have let mine idle several times for over 30 minutes w/ no issue. One time I was trying to update Sync and left it running for a lot longer, maybe an hour or two, trying to get it to update over my home wifi.
Next day I went to drive off and solid white smoke out of the exhaust for a few minutes, didn't last long. Thinking back, I don't think I drove it anywhere that day. These trucks don't seem to build much heat at idle.
Most of the other times is when I arrive at a baseball field, my son gets out and I take a nap or whatever, usually about 45 minutes. Truck is already up to normal operating temp these times.

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Badgertits said:

I live in the NE - I'd say there's WAYYYY more damage that would occur to this thing from NOT letting it idle & warm up to operating temp vs. starting it getting in & going. My Raptor does NOT sound "happy" when he wakes up first thing on a cold start...after 5-10 mins tho its ready to go. Admittedly w/o any first hand knowledge, I also believe running a high quality synthetic (I use arguably the "highest" - Amsoil signature series 5W30) & allowing the engine to idle for a bit & warm up for 10 mins in cold temps is going to help you avoid gasket leaks & the cam phaser rattle vs. running whatever the dealer/shop dumps in it & cranking it & driving 5 seconds later.

I also am baffled how constantly cycling the engine on/off for fuel efficiency (turned off on mine) could NOT cause excessive wear/tear on starter/ignition & also starve some of the engine for oil in some circumstances. It is all mechanical, starting & stopping over and over again has gotta be worse than starting & idling.......not worse for MPG, worse for mechanical wear

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Instarand said:

there are two schools of thought here... not sure if the raptor motor specifically is any different.

many experts claim that warming up your car by letting it idle actually does more harm than just driving off. They claim the idea of letting the engine idle to warm up is an older concept necessary back in the days of the carburetor, but is no longer relevant.

i agree, all cars run smoother when warm. The question is whether you should bring it to temperature driving off and taking it easy or by letting it idle up to temp.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/videos/a30249/why-you-shouldnt-warm-up-your-car/

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