How much fuel does a gas engine consume at an idle?

The fuel consumption of a gasoline engine at idle varies depending on the engine size and type, as well as other factors such as the fuel injection system and the engine's operating temperature. However, as a general guideline, a typical gasoline engine consumes approximately 0.5 to 1.0 gallons of fuel per hour at idle. This can vary significantly, with some small engines consuming as little as 0.25 gallons per hour at idle, while larger engines may consume up to 1.5 gallons per hour at idle.

Factors that can affect the fuel consumption of an engine at idle include:

- Engine size: Larger engines generally consume more fuel than smaller engines, even at idle.

- Engine type: Some engine types, such as diesel engines, are more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines, and may consume less fuel at idle.

- Fuel injection system: Engines with electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems may be more fuel-efficient than engines with carburetors, especially at idle.

- Engine temperature: Engines that are not fully warmed up may consume more fuel at idle than engines that are at operating temperature.

To reduce the fuel consumption of a gasoline engine at idle, consider the following tips:

- Keep the engine tuned up and in good working order. Regular maintenance, such as spark plug replacement and air filter cleaning, can help to improve fuel efficiency.

- Avoid excessive idling. If you know you will be stopped for a long period of time, consider turning off the engine instead of letting it idle.

- Use an automatic engine stop-start system. This feature, which is becoming more common in newer vehicles, automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver resumes driving.