How long should I let it idle?

[white maverick xl]

I do like my Maverick and it is the first vehicle I have owned with a turbo. My question is how long should I let it idle after returning home from work, doing errands or whatever it was as I heard different answers as to how long it should be. I have heard 30 seconds. one minute and up to five minutes to let the turbo cool down some before shutting the engine off. I usually wait at least 30 seconds if not longer before I shut the engine off.

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[Carlitos_92]

None of that is necessary unless you are towing or racing, but I'm sure you will get a variety of answers here.

 

[white maverick xl]

Ok thanks.

 

[MaverickDragon]

It depends on how hard (or not) it was driven beforehand.

Driving at low speeds the turbo would not be working hard, and temperatures are not extreme, but a long run at high speed on the interstate, or with repeated high speed runs between lights, it's likely more helpful to let the turbo cool down and minimize sudden thermal shock.

You get the same effect by driving sedately the last few miles on your way home.

No magic number, but general rule of thumb for a very hot engine would be a couple of minutes. Obviously it's all up to you.

 

[Master Blaster]

Unlike some others, the turbo is both oil and water cooled. No cool down idling is required at all.

 

[Chops]

Unlike some others, the turbo is both oil and water cooled. No cool down idling is required at all.

The reason idling is beneficial (& recommended) for a turbo is that it keeps both the coolant and especially the oil circulating.

Me, I let the end of ride “high idle” finish if I’m not too impatient to wait the minute or less. I’m usually patient though.

 

[chinoxl3]

I never heard of letting it idle after a drive but I usually auto start the truck 15 minutes before I go to work so that the oil thins before driving.

 

[Pointyears]

I never heard of letting it idle after a drive but I usually auto start the truck 15 minutes before I go to work so that the oil thins before driving.

That's just a waste of gas, especially in Florida.

 

[John R C]

Heavy duty turbos, e.g. Cummins, have been oil cooled as well as lubricated and bearing housings could get pretty hot. Hot shutdown in severe cases could 'coke' bearings with oil residue reducing running clearances, bearing to shaft or housing as these were cylindrical plain bearings. Therefore idling before shutdown was prescribed. As the Maverick bearing housings are water cooled idling before shutdown for any length of time is not necessary. I'd do if if towing and immediately stopped but otherwise it's not necessary.

 

[chinoxl3]

That's just a waste of gas, especially in Florida.

I prefer to waste the gas than spend on premature engine repairs in the future.

 

[MavStangVa]

Let it idle until it is out of fuel, This allows the turbo to cool and prevents stale gas in the system which prolongs the life of the engine. I'm currently getting 3.2 gallons per mile but well worth it to do preventative maintenance.

 

[Tim d]

I do like my Maverick and it is the first vehicle I have owned with a turbo. My question is how long should I let it idle after returning home from work, doing errands or whatever it was as I heard different answers as to how long it should be. I have heard 30 seconds. one minute and up to five minutes to let the turbo cool down some before shutting the engine off. I usually wait at least 30 seconds if not longer before I shut the engine off.

You dont have to let it idle at all. Unless maybe you have been doing some full pull quarter mile back to back racing.

 

[Gray Goose]

Let it idle until it is out of fuel, This allows the turbo to cool and prevents stale gas in the system which prolongs the life of the engine. I'm currently getting 3.2 gallons per mile but well worth it to do preventative maintenance.

I've been using that strategy for my snow blower forever. Tecumseh engine is over 30 years old and still going strong. I did rebuild the carburetor a few years ago. It doesn't have a turbo, but it's on my list for upgrades.
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[Meeka]

None of that is necessary unless you are towing or racing, but I'm sure you will get a variety of answers here.

Guess what, you are correct. Lots of “opinions”.

 

[Rwills]

I do like my Maverick and it is the first vehicle I have owned with a turbo. My question is how long should I let it idle after returning home from work, doing errands or whatever it was as I heard different answers as to how long it should be. I have heard 30 seconds. one minute and up to five minutes to let the turbo cool down some before shutting the engine off. I usually wait at least 30 seconds if not longer before I shut the engine off.

None unless you were reving it hard

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