98 Caravan extended idleing

Dec 12, 2003 2 Replies
M

What is the current advice for sitting in a car (98 Dodge Gran Caravan w 3.8) for a long time. Last summer I was in Tulsa for 2 pm summer games at 102 with no shade!



When I was in high school I remember a grandpa that died on a cold day in his 69 Ford LTD. He was trying to stay warm and his car was stuck in the mud (not the exhaust). I was told then to never sit and idle in the car.



I would like to go to these games or other events and just turn on the ac for an hour or so. Is it safe?



Thanks,



Mike


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G

Exhaust system regularly inspected and in good shape, no rear windows open, and tailpipe not blocked, exhaust system not in contact with combustibles on the ground (dry grass, etc.) = yes, it's safe.

--Geoff

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R

If you can smell the exhaust inside the cab, time to shut down the engine. Even on a cold day, I never let the car idle for more than 15 minutes waiting for someone. I shut it down and when I feel cold again, start it up. If the car is moving, you are leaving the exhaust behind, but when the car is still, unless there is headwind, you are surrounding yourself with exhaust gas.

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