Idle time before killing the engine for FE.

[jBubb]

I've heard all sorts of different time frames from 10 seconds to 1 minute.

But what do you think is a good time before I should be shutting off the engine?

Also, how much of a strain does this put on the starter?

[trebuchet03]

Someone actually tested this quite recently.... And it was very short (within 10 seconds IIRC). But that's if you don't use that startup energy for forward motion, so if you start the engine and are releasing the clutch pedal in short order, the time goes down.

UPS did the cost analysis and kills their engines for all deliveries - even the quick residential deliveries.

[jBubb]

So pretty much, if you're stopped at a light, you should be killing the engine? Most lights are definitely longer then 10 seconds.

[brucepick]

Originally Posted by jBubb

So pretty much, if you're stopped at a light, you should be killing the engine? Most lights are definitely longer then 10 seconds.

Yup, except it might be illegal, and will likely PO the drivers behind you if they have to wait for you to get going.

Sometimes I'll kill the engine at a light if A) it's daytime so headlights are off so others can't see that I'm restarting AND B) there is at least one car ahead of me at the light so I get advance notice that I need to start it up. ymmv.

[lovemysan]

Somewhere I read you should shoot for eocs 7 seconds or longer. I eoc day or night. I'm also on the original delco bat in the car. We'll see how long it last.

[jBubb]

lovemysan, I am looking for skirts for my 99 Metro and noticed the ones in your sig pic. Do you make/sell these by chance? Or know someone who does?

[trebuchet03]

Originally Posted by brucepick

Yup, except it might be illegal, and will likely PO the drivers behind you if they have to wait for you to get going.

I admit I haven't searched too much on this yet - but I highly doubt it's illegal while stopped at a traffic light. Several cars do this from the factory And would this mean putting your car in Neutral at a traffic light is illegal too?

[DRW]

You shouldn't be shutting the engine off at traffic lights!

You should be shutting the engine off *before* you get to the traffic light!

[trebuchet03]

Originally Posted by DRW

You should be shutting the engine off *before* you get to the traffic light!

Shhhh! We don't want the 5-0 to know

[DRW]

Originally Posted by trebuchet03

Shhhh! We don't want the 5-0 to know

No worries, my motor is really quiet when it's OFF