Mechanical Engine Shutoff Timer

JPSouth · Dec 3, 2022

I'm in search of one of these, but can't find any info, manufacturer or otherwise. I see some aftermarket chrome trim plates for them, but nothing more than that. I have driven Petes and KWs that had them installed, 80s/90s vintage. Anybody know whether they're made anymore, or if there's a chance that NOS can be found?

Truck Shop · Dec 4, 2022

Since tier two engines-those idlers became a thing of the past, I don't know if those are still produced.
Can't remember the brand name-started with a {H} I thought.

Oxbow · Dec 4, 2022

I had one that failed, and I tried to find a replacement several years ago with no luck. I would like to get a couple if anyone finds a source. I think they may have gone the way of King Cruise control for mechanical engines.

Coaldust · Dec 4, 2022

Well, I’ll be.. never seen one of those before. Kinda cool.

DMiller · Dec 4, 2022

Have one in this one. Not looked for a replacement as do not use them.

pushbroom · Dec 4, 2022

I think they were a Henke timer. I did find a source a couple years ago and installed a pair but the timer was 2'' in diameter and didn't look as good as the original. Haven't been able to find something similar since

Truck Shop · Dec 4, 2022

pushbroom said:
I think they were a Henke timer. I did find a source a couple years ago and installed a pair but the timer was 2'' in diameter and didn't look as good as the original. Haven't been able to find something similar since

The patent more than likely ran out, there are several models made by various companies, but digital.
https://www.freepatentsonline.com/3299868.html

92U 3406 · Dec 4, 2022

So what does it do exactly?

Truck Shop · Dec 4, 2022

92U 3406 said:
So what does it do exactly?

Automatically shut engine down after a period of idle time.

https://www.freepatentsonline.com/3299868.pdf

92U 3406 · Dec 4, 2022

Truck Shop said:
Automatically shut engine down after a period of idle time.

https://www.freepatentsonline.com/3299868.pdf

What application would that be useful though?

Sorry I can't view the link you posted so if the answer is in there I can't see it.

Truck Shop · Dec 4, 2022

92U 3406 said:
Sorry I can't view the link you posted so if the answer is in there I can't see it.

Odd I click on it comes up. It was primarily used to idle trucks for a period of time to cool down
the turbo, that was the main reason. Although when the Cummins N14 came out time was cut to
a minute.

92U 3406 · Dec 4, 2022

Truck Shop said:
Odd I click on it comes up. It was primarily used to idle trucks for a period of time to cool down
the turbo, that was the main reason. Although when the Cummins N14 came out time was cut to
a minute.

Ok I see. I've always let the big diesels idle a few minutes anyways before shutting them down.

Yeah the link just takes me to the website but the actual part showing the patent just has a broken link symbol on it.

pushbroom · Dec 4, 2022

All of the newer petes have the timer integrated into the dash. Scroll through the menu, select up to 15 minutes then pull the keys lock the doors and leave.

Oxbow · Dec 4, 2022

pushbroom said:
All of the newer petes have the timer integrated into the dash. Scroll through the menu, select up to 15 minutes then pull the keys lock the doors and leave.

My pickup is that way as well.

Good to see you Pushbroom!

Truck Shop · Dec 5, 2022

pushbroom said:
All of the newer petes have the timer integrated into the dash. Scroll through the menu, select up to 15 minutes then pull the keys lock the doors and leave.

Our Freightliners do both-time out and start remote with fob-nothing but a oversized toyota.

FWD · Dec 8, 2022

I have a 2021 Western Star with a DD13 engine. I left it running at a high idle as it was cold out and the dog was in the truck. I came back a while later and the engine was off, but the heater motor was still running. Must be some kind of auto shut down on it too.
FWD

92U 3406 · Dec 8, 2022

Its all programmed into the ECM now. Ran a 2018 Freightliner last winter and even 35 below it would shut off after 2 minutes. Did not matter if it was high idle, park brakes on or off etc. Even one time had it auto shut down while in gear, brakes released and I was just getting rolling. I'm sure that's great for the driveline when you've just gotten rolling with 65k lbs on the deck and it comes to an abrupt halt.

Truck Shop · Dec 8, 2022

FWD said:
I have a 2021 Western Star with a DD13 engine. I left it running at a high idle as it was cold out and the dog was in the truck. I came back a while later and the engine was off, but the heater motor was still running. Must be some kind of auto shut down on it too.
FWD

You can have the auto/shut down deleted.

DMiller · Dec 9, 2022

The DD13s in the Stars I worked around had the auto shut down deleted, have since returned that to function. Trying to save what fuel the company can.

Truck Shop · Dec 9, 2022

The biggest issue with auto start/stop is the actual amount/percent of idle time added to service interval.
Hard on starters and DPF.

Mechanical Engine Shutoff Timer

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