a system is disclosed for implementing a technique for idling a diesel engine . the system comprises an engine controller , an air temperature sensor , and an engine speed sensor . the air temperature sensor provides a first signal indicative of an internal temperature of an intake manifold in fluid communication with the diesel engine . the engine speed sensor provides a second signal indicative of a rotational speed of a crankshaft of the diesel engine . in response to various other signals collectively indicating the diesel engine is idling , the engine controller controls the supply of fuel to the diesel engine as a function of the first signal . when the first signal is below a temperature level , engine controller supplies fuel to each combustion chamber of the diesel engine for a fixed period of time to achieve a desired range of rotational speeds of the crankshaft as indicated by the second signal . thereafter , the engine controller supplies fuel to a subset of the combustion chambers to achieve a higher range of rotational speeds of the crankshaft as indicated by the second signal . when the first signal is at or above the temperature level , engine controller supplies fuel to each combustion chamber of the diesel engine to achieve a desired range of rotational speeds of the crankshaft as indicated by the second signal .