Next in thread: Thataway@XXX.XXX: "Re: Low-speed trolling with diesels"
>We troll at times with one
> engine neutral and the other idle for hours on end and the whole time I'm
> wondering about the engines.
{SNIP]
> One engine idle moves us at about 4.5 kts in smooth
> water, slow enough for our style of fishing.
> I worry about oil pressure more than anything else. At idle it drops to
> less than half of normal.
>
> Any insights are appreciated.
A discussion with a Cummins Engineer seemed to speak to this issue. He said
that the pistons were sized to fit at normal operating temperatures -- water
and oil. That means that the aluminum pistons are smaller than a good fit
in the steel or iron cylinder at low temperatures. For that reason,
operating an engine at less than 165-degrees for any length of time is
harmful.
It would seem that in your situation, it would be better to shut one engine
down and make sure the other engine temperature stays up.
CaptnWil
40 Pier Pointe
New Bern NC 29562
(252) 636-3601
