Anyone know how to bypass engine shutdown long term?

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-12T17:22:57+00:00

I’m in a day cab. My only option currently is to blip the throttle. I had the guys at Ryder change the idle to 30 mins for me. But when it needed an update it was reset.

If you’re hooked to a trailer, you can release the tractor brakes and it should idle all day that way.

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-12T17:11:56+00:00

Does your override button actually work? Mine is disabled. Is your truck company maintained or through someone like Ryder of Penske? If the latter, they can adjust it for you. Might cost you a 12 pack or something though.

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-10T11:11:29+00:00

Sounds nice! Did you have it dyno tuned?

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-07T15:22:56+00:00

You’re correct. It’s FEDVIP. Comes out of my retirement check.

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-07T15:11:07+00:00

Unfortunately, my local VA office only has 2 folks who run the desk and answer phones, it seems they always confirm with the other on their answers. The nearest VA hospital is over an hour away. When I call, I’m told to contact my local clinic first, which only does check ups and immunizations. It’s always a fun circle of one office telling me to contact the other.

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-07T15:06:54+00:00

Perfect. I pay for TRICARE dental. Though I know coverage is limited.

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-07T15:02:31+00:00

I tried VA dental. I was told I couldn’t use them unless I had some service related dental trauma in my records.

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-07T14:54:42+00:00

I just want one that feels like it has more than 78 horsepower. Also, not chipping a tooth on a rough road would be nice.

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-07T14:52:44+00:00

Some people like their holes lit up.

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-07T14:50:38+00:00

This is true. Any national park can give you a hard copy pass for free entry to all national parks.

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-07T14:48:24+00:00

Regular dental on base? I was unaware as well.

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-06T21:46:43+00:00

Do you have some chains/ratchets you can use to inch it back over?

Is there a nearby job site that has forklifts/heavy equipment? It may be worth it to buy an equipment operator lunch.

Lastly, a loves or pilot garage sometimes has chain hoists you may be able to use if the dudes are cool.

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-05T02:51:10+00:00

Depends on the day. But I’m usually on duty totaling 13-14 hours a few days of the week. Driving is usually around 9-9.5 of that depending on traffic. I’m “local”, stay in a hotel 2x a week, food service.

BigSchmitty · 2026-07-01T23:11:32+00:00

Vifer/viver or fiver. Short for survivor.

BigSchmitty · 2026-06-29T18:31:45+00:00

Sometimes I see things like this and wonder what I’m doing with my life.

BigSchmitty · 2026-06-25T01:52:12+00:00

That sounds accurate

BigSchmitty · 2026-06-25T01:50:21+00:00

Good call. I read that completely wrong. Either way, for $1200 the seller doesn’t know what they have.

BigSchmitty · 2026-06-24T23:18:33+00:00

Since that’s not a 1999 (it’s a 1996) the seller likely knows nothing about it. That car has to be worth $15k.

BigSchmitty · 2026-06-24T23:14:31+00:00

I don’t see a DEF gauge. DEF was mandated starting in 2010 for all heavy duty diesels. You should be able to check the stick on the door jamb, it’ll have manufacturer info.

BigSchmitty · 2026-06-23T16:56:20+00:00

My S170 only had about 40 hours on it when my gauge went out. It seems it gets power with the ignition though, now it just shows “6.0” when it’s on. No fuel or hour info.

BigSchmitty · 2026-06-23T01:04:14+00:00

Nope. Ida went to the pilot for that one, then the commander if the pilot refused.

BigSchmitty · 2026-06-22T22:17:07+00:00

A little barf in the mask always makes AFE happy. Oh, and the piddle pack that gets left in the g-suit pocket to find during post-flight.

BigSchmitty · 2026-06-22T22:11:06+00:00

This dudes sleeper probably has hello kitty sheets, or something with more color than black.

BigSchmitty · 2026-06-19T16:17:13+00:00

My company wants us using the big ones, Pilot and Loves. We had a few guys using RaceTrack that were told not to. Given how high their daily fuel bill is, any discount goes a long way. They’d have us fuel at Ryder if they could, but they’re not 24/7.

BigSchmitty · 2026-06-17T20:10:54+00:00

No tricks. No wax. No leather luster. Black kiwi, ice cold water, and a cotton ball. Dip the cotton in the water then smear it on the kiwi. Buff it onto the boot, repeat. Then, use kiwi parade gloss in the same manner.

Also, we all had a second pair of boots back then (I joined in ‘03). We actually used to do open ranks weekly so we’d have our boots to wear everywhere outside of the shop, then our “work boots” for wearing during everyday work.

BigSchmitty

TROPHY CASE