- #1
Creedence18
- 5
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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.