Method and system for idling a diesel engine

Abstract

A system is disclosed for implementing a technique for idling a diesel engine. The system comprises an engine controller, an air temperature sensor, and an engine speed sensor. The air temperature sensor provides a first signal indicative of an internal temperature of an intake manifold in fluid communication with the diesel engine. The engine speed sensor provides a second signal indicative of a rotational speed of a crankshaft of the diesel engine. In response to various other signals collectively indicating the diesel engine is idling, the engine controller controls the supply of fuel to the diesel engine as a function of the first signal. When the first signal is below a temperature level, engine controller supplies fuel to each combustion chamber of the diesel engine for a fixed period of time to achieve a desired range of rotational speeds of the crankshaft as indicated by the second signal. Thereafter, the engine controller supplies fuel to a subset of the combustion chambers to achieve a higher range of rotational speeds of the crankshaft as indicated by the second signal. When the first signal is at or above the temperature level, engine controller supplies fuel to each combustion chamber of the diesel engine to achieve a desired range of rotational speeds of the crankshaft as indicated by the second signal.