On Thu, 28 Jul 2005 00:41:37 GMT, "« Paul »" <" « Paul
> wrote:

>mac wrote:
>>
>> I used to think idling (maybe more than 5 min) was bad for engine, but
>> then I read elsewhere that it's no worse than driving. I think i read
>> that idling with AC on puts alot of stress on the engine. Is this
>> true? Should I turn off the AC if idling for more than 5 minutes? I
>> have a dodge truck, and ideally I could sit in it for 15 minures,
>> idling, with AC on...
>>
>> Also, in the winter, is idling with heat on any problem?
>
>When I lived in West Texas the company bought me a brand new
>Chevy 4dr truck. We (me & crew) used to leave the truck running in
>the summer for the A/C and in the winter for the heat.
>The engine lasted 9 months before it wore out. The next guy that
>got it had it for 1 year before it needed a new engine.

Police all over the country do the same thing and their engines don't
wear out in a year. Sounds like that truck had a problem but it had
nothing to do with letting it idle with the AC or heater on.