Large I-6 vs smallblock V-8 idle speed

  • Thread starter Creedence18
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In summary: I had a 1989 Camaro IROC-Z with the 350 TPI motor, which was fuel injected.In summary, the difference in idle speeds between a small V-8 and a large diesel inline 6 is due to the higher compression ratio of diesel engines and the heavier weight of the diesel engine components. The diesel engine is designed to run at a lower speed and has more power demands, resulting in a higher idle speed to maintain oil pressure. The size and weight of the engine also play a role in determining the idle speed. Additionally, some vehicles may have different idle speeds based on emissions regulations and the design of the engine's sensors and control systems.
  • #1
Creedence18
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Why does a small V-8 have a slower idle rpm than a large diesel inline 6? For example, a Chevy 305 (5.0L) can idle at 500rpm but a diesel Caterpillar 3406 (14.6L) can't idle below 600 rpm? The Cat ,with a bore of 5.4 inches and a stroke of 6.5 inches, has a much faster average piston speed plus heavier pistons than the Chev with, a bore of 3.736 inches and a stroke of 3.48 inches. Compareable Cummins and Detroit engines also idle at the same speed, so it can't be just a Cat thing.
 
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  • #2
without getting into a lot of mechanical head scratching ..my Dodge cummins needs the min idle to keep up oil pressure..you got one very heavy crankshaft and inspite of super high volume of engine oil you still have to float the crank on the oil film..a spindly little small block chevy has a fly weight crank shaft compared to boss hog..and 500 rpm is about it on a V8..my Ford 4 cyl tractor can go down to dmn near 400 rpm but that is even lighter a crankshaft and you can hear every cylinder firing...oil pressure is 20 psi btw...
 
  • #3
Creedence18 said:
Why does a small V-8 have a slower idle rpm than a large diesel inline 6? For example, a Chevy 305 (5.0L) can idle at 500rpm but a diesel Caterpillar 3406 (14.6L) can't idle below 600 rpm? The Cat ,with a bore of 5.4 inches and a stroke of 6.5 inches, has a much faster average piston speed plus heavier pistons than the Chev with, a bore of 3.736 inches and a stroke of 3.48 inches. Compareable Cummins and Detroit engines also idle at the same speed, so it can't be just a Cat thing.

The diesel engine (especially the smaller ones) generally has a much higher compression ratio than a gasoline engine. After all, diesel engines are also known as 'compression ignition' engines.

If you have a high performance 305, you might have a CR of 9.5:1. A racing engine running on gasoline might top out at 12.5:1 if specially prepared racing fuel is used.

By contrast, the Cat 3400 series has a CR of 15:1 or 16:1 and is physically a much larger power plant than the Chevy. A Cat 3400 series engine weighs in at more than 3000 lbs, while the Chevy might tip the scales at about 550 lbs. or so. It takes a certain amount of power to keep the Cat turning, working against a high compression ratio while moving a lot of weight up and down and around, running a diesel injection pump and other accessories. The Cat is designed to run at a max. continuous speed of 1800 RPM, while the Chevy is capable of revving much higher.
 
  • #4
majority of standard production engines idles at 600-800rpm. does not matter if 1.0 four banger or 6.0 v12.

I think it is about oil pressure, and bearings construction and load on them
 
  • #5
There is also the issue of vibration transmission from the engine to the vehicle (maybe not so important for race cars at idling speeds, or for farm tractors). Keeping the idle speed above any large-scale resonances of the vehicle may be the easiest way to stop the doors and windows rattling.
 
  • #6
SteamKing said:
The diesel engine (especially the smaller ones) generally has a much higher compression ratio than a gasoline engine. After all, diesel engines are also known as 'compression ignition' engines.

If you have a high performance 305, you might have a CR of 9.5:1. A racing engine running on gasoline might top out at 12.5:1 if specially prepared racing fuel is used.

By contrast, the Cat 3400 series has a CR of 15:1 or 16:1 and is physically a much larger power plant than the Chevy. A Cat 3400 series engine weighs in at more than 3000 lbs, while the Chevy might tip the scales at about 550 lbs. or so. It takes a certain amount of power to keep the Cat turning, working against a high compression ratio while moving a lot of weight up and down and around, running a diesel injection pump and other accessories. The Cat is designed to run at a max. continuous speed of 1800 RPM, while the Chevy is capable of revving much higher.

We have a couple cars, one in the 15-1 range and one 13.5-1 range and the 15-1 motor idles at around 1500, and sounds like a tractor. The 13.5-1 one idles around 1200. Although its apples to oranges since that is mostly because of the amount of overlap in the camshaft. not having much to do with the compression.
 
  • #7
462chevelle said:
We have a couple cars, one in the 15-1 range and one 13.5-1 range and the 15-1 motor idles at around 1500, and sounds like a tractor. The 13.5-1 one idles around 1200. Although its apples to oranges since that is mostly because of the amount of overlap in the camshaft. not having much to do with the compression.

I owned a 1984 Z28 with the 5.0 HO motor, which had a carburetor. Because of emissions regulations, the catalytic converters needed to start functioning right away after the engine started, and the only way for them to get going was to get to their operating temp. as soon as possible. The ECU controlling the engine was designed to go to a fast idle speed at about 900 RPM, and once its sensors told the ECU the cats were at temp., the idle speed would drop down to about 600 RPM or so. It took a while to do this at first start on cold mornings.
 

1. What is the difference in idle speed between a large I-6 engine and a smallblock V-8 engine?

The idle speed of an engine is determined by the number of cylinders and the size of the engine. In general, a larger engine with more cylinders will have a higher idle speed than a smaller engine with fewer cylinders. Therefore, a large I-6 engine will have a higher idle speed than a smallblock V-8 engine.

2. Why is the idle speed important in an engine?

The idle speed is important because it determines the minimum speed at which the engine can operate without stalling. If the idle speed is too low, the engine may stall, and if it is too high, it can cause unnecessary wear and tear on engine components. A proper idle speed ensures smooth engine operation and efficient fuel consumption.

3. Can the idle speed be adjusted on both a large I-6 engine and a smallblock V-8 engine?

Yes, the idle speed can be adjusted on both types of engines. However, the process may differ depending on the specific make and model of the engine. It is important to consult the manufacturer's instructions or a professional mechanic for proper adjustment procedures.

4. How does the idle speed affect fuel consumption?

The idle speed can have a significant impact on fuel consumption. A higher idle speed means the engine is running faster, which requires more fuel to maintain. This can lead to increased fuel consumption and higher operating costs. On the other hand, a lower idle speed can improve fuel efficiency and save money on fuel expenses.

5. Is there a recommended idle speed for these types of engines?

Yes, each engine has a recommended idle speed determined by the manufacturer. It is important to follow these recommendations for optimal engine performance and to avoid potential issues. The recommended idle speed can usually be found in the owner's manual or by consulting a professional mechanic.

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