Why does starter fluid cure my no start? What is the issue?

[ForumJunkie]

Toro Timecutter SS4225

Tractor did not start one month ago. I used starter fluid and then mowed my lawn. Today, again, tractor would not start. So, I took off the air cleaner and spritzed some starter fluid and the tractor fired right up. Let it run for a few mins, so it's not a clogged carb. I turned it on/off twice more and it started fine. But, I am not sure it will start the next time I use it.

I wonder if it's a fuel pump or vacuum issue. I will need to investigate. What can be the issue?
I do not think the problem is solved since this is the 2nd no start incident.

 

[ForumJunkie]

Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

Toro Timecutter SS4225

Tractor did not start one month ago. I used starter fluid and then mowed my lawn. Today, again, tractor would not start. So, I took off the air cleaner and spritzed some starter fluid and the tractor fired right up. Let it run for a few mins, so it's not a clogged carb. I turned it on/off twice more and it started fine. But, I am not sure it will start the next time I use it.

I wonder if it's a fuel pump or vacuum issue. I will need to investigate. What can be the issue?
I do not think the problem is solved since this is the 2nd no start incident.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

Just thinking out loud. Could be weak spark too.

 

[Reb954]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

Toro Timecutter SS4225

Tractor did not start one month ago. I used starter fluid and then mowed my lawn. Today, again, tractor would not start. So, I took off the air cleaner and spritzed some starter fluid and the tractor fired right up. Let it run for a few mins, so it's not a clogged carb. I turned it on/off twice more and it started fine. But, I am not sure it will start the next time I use it.

I wonder if it's a fuel pump or vacuum issue. I will need to investigate. What can be the issue?
I do not think the problem is solved since this is the 2nd no start incident.

As you said, check the fuel pump and vacuum first. The either gets the engine running enough to create enough vacuum to pull fuel through the line so the engine will run on its own. You could probably do the same thing by squirting a bit of gas into the carb instead of the either.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

I always use an unlit propane torch to start a stubborn engine.

 

[metalbender]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

More info is needed. How many hrs on the unit, regular service, valve adjustment? Ether doesn't " cure" problems, will mask some underlying problems.

 

[ForumJunkie]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

As you said, check the fuel pump and vacuum first. The either gets the engine running enough to create enough vacuum to pull fuel through the line so the engine will run on its own. You could probably do the same thing by squirting a bit of gas into the carb instead of the either.

How do I check the fuel pump?
How do I check the vacuum?

In the meantime, why is it better to use gas and not ether as the starter fluid ?

 

[ForumJunkie]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

More info is needed. How many hrs on the unit, regular service, valve adjustment? Ether doesn't " cure" problems, will mask some underlying problems.

Used one summer, so maybe like 20-30 hours total?
No service yet.

 

[the old grind]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

One month ago I'd have had trouble starting a mower full of Summer blend gas in those temps.

When did you top up the tank last? You'll want Winter gas to push snow.

 

[TimberHole]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

I always use an unlit propane torch to start a stubborn engine.

I’ve worked on engines all my life but never done this! Do you just give it a squirt or let the propane run continuous? I’m intrigued!

 

[user.69169]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

I’ve worked on engines all my life but never done this! Do you just give it a squirt or let the propane run continuous? I’m intrigued!

Well known trick. Kinda replacing additional fuel choke provides wid already vapor propane.
Lot of engines been sitting gas evaporated from carb bowl so you gotta crank to fill bowl before engine starts. Replace gas wid propane down carb neck engine generally start quick.

Torch like Bernzo work good to about 10 horse Bigger engine need more propane so use bigger torch.

I got old beat up Bernzo pulled torch head off stem and connected 1/4 hose to neck. Hose goes into air neck of carb. Much more convenient den holding torch. Also eliminates propane restrictor torch uses to meter gas.

Spin engine to lube crank and bearings, maybe 2 seconds den open valve on Bernz. Generally engine starts right up.

Good way to check out engine you just met. You got no idea engine got spark or plugged carb so use propane into carb air intake. If you got spark engine will pop and try to run. You got enough propane engine will run.


Slightly different method used to light up Diesel in cold.

 

[the old grind]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

I’ve worked on engines all my life but never done this! Do you just give it a squirt or let the propane run continuous? I’m intrigued!

It's not much different than running a gas generator on propane by aiming it into the intake port and adjusting the flow.

(see TouTube & post #10)

 

[FarmaBro]

I would check that the choke plate is correctly returning to the closed position when the engine is off.

 

[Fuddy1952]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

An unlit propane torch is handy for finding a vacuum leak also.

 

[hosspuller]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

Check your choke & low speed jets too. A cold engine needs more gasoline to make up for the fuel that condenses on the cold metal of the intake, carb, etc.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

I'm disappointed. I thought it was my creation. Still one that likes to use my brain and think of solutions.

Been meaning to add some hose to an old propane torch and add an aligator clip, so one can clip it near the carb throat. Otherwise it's often a two person operation. One holding the torch.

Great for getting some garbage two stroke going for the first time in the season. Or you could just pull on it until your arm, pull cord or patience gives up.

But to answer question. Yes, continuous. Sometimes runs as long as you hold propane there, and starts to die when you take it away. Friend who works for a Business including a large small engine shop just laughed at me. Like, it runs on Gasoline, what are you talking about propane? I showed him though.

 

[Jim Nelson]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

Don't get it addicted to ether, it is not good for the engine in large amounts or extended periods. I've seen too many engines destroyed by it, find the problem and fix it right. Something that new about has to be something simple, I would start by replacing old gas then filters, air and fuel, spark plug and wire etc. Always start with the easiest and least expensive stuff and work your way up.

 

[jaxs]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

I'm disappointed. I thought it was my creation. Still one that likes to use my brain and think of solutions.

Been meaning to add some hose to an old propane torch and add an aligator clip, so one can clip it near the carb throat. Otherwise it's often a two person operation. One holding the torch.

Great for getting some garbage two stroke going for the first time in the season. Or you could just pull on it until your arm, pull cord or patience gives up.

But to answer question. Yes, continuous. Sometimes runs as long as you hold propane there, and starts to die when you take it away. Friend who works for a Business including a large small engine shop just laughed at me. Like, it runs on Gasoline, what are you talking about propane? I showed him though.

I never tried an unlite torch but for years WD40 worked about like starting fluid. Then it didn't work at all.:confused3: I figured like everything else,manufactur took "good stuff" out so I went back to starting fluid. Found out propane was used early on as the propelant then stopped for liability reasons. Never occured to me to just us a torch.

 

[Roadworthy]

It is possible it's not getting fuel due to fuel pump or vacuum. Getting the engine to begin running could move the pump fast enough or generate enough vacuum to establish a fuel flow. I have a Craftsman garden tractor that sometimes doesn't want to start. I'll dribble a bit of gasoline into the carburetor and it starts right up. It may then start fine the rest of the season, or I may need to repeat the process the next week. I'm thinking of an electric fuel pump with a switch to assist starting when required.

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

I’ve worked on engines all my life but never done this! Do you just give it a squirt or let the propane run continuous? I’m intrigued!

How do I check the fuel pump?
How do I check the vacuum?

In the meantime, why is it better to use gas and not ether as the starter fluid ?

Don't use gasoline. There're better/safer alternatives.