Ever used starting fluid in your truck?

[JDgreen227]

Was skipping over the latest Menards sale insert, and among the items labeled "Get ready for winter" I observed starting fluid. Jeez...I didn't even think the stuff was still around. Last time I used some was back about 1978, my Nova used a carb and I gave it a healthy dose of starting fluid one bitter morning. Pull the air cleaner lid, and spray...so easy back then.

Seems like it would be rather hard to spray the stuff into today's intake systems, and I don't even know if it works in a fuel injected engine anyhow.

Can anybody advise me? Thanks.

 

[powerstroke444e]

For the most part never use starting fluid on anything with glow plugs or heating elements in the intake, which is about 100% of diesel engines in modern pickups & CUTs.

I have a large trencher that has automatic either injection on it. Many farm tractors use starting fluid to get them going when its cold out. If you don't know if you should use it don't.

 

[tmajor]

When I was restoring an old D4 CAT, I had an old CAT mechanic help me get it started for the first time. He told me to not get used to using stating fluid, as they "got used to it", and I would have trouble starting it with out the fluid, in time.

It seems hard to believe, but he had many, many more years experience than me. ??

 

[JDgreen227]

For the most part never use starting fluid on anything with glow plugs or heating elements in the intake, which is about 100% of diesel engines in modern pickups & CUTs.

I have a large trencher that has automatic either injection on it. Many farm tractors use starting fluid to get them going when its cold out. If you don't know if you should use it don't.

Before retiring, I drove medium duty diesel trucks, many of which used engines like the Cummins 5.9. which was equipped with automatic ether injection for winter starts. I would never use starting fluid unless I knew what I was doing, was just wondering if anybody had experiences to relate. Back in 1970, I had a high compression (11 to 1) V8 in my Mustang, it wouldn't start one cold morning, the tow truck driver was going to spray starting fluid in the carb, I told him " THE MANUAL SAYS NOT TO USE THAT STUFF" and he couldn't believe a 19 year old guy would read the owners manual.....:laughing:

 

[powerstroke444e]

As some one said engines get use to it do to the damage to rings. Growing up neighbor had old 1100 massey that was hooked to the honey wagon all its life and it didn't matter if it was 100 out it need a shot to get it going. I bet there was always dozen almost empty cans on that tractor.

We ran demo cars back in the day that had real loose engines 283 chevys and had to start them on either but knew that when we built them.

 

[oldyellr]

I've used ether from time to time to start reluctant engines since the 1950s. Of course, back then everything had carburetors and no mystery electronic sensors in the intake that could be harmed. I guess the last time I used it was last winter to start a snowblower with a lazy primer bulb. While, in theory, it's possible to damage a gasoline engine by detonation, the chances of ever getting enough ether in there at the right mixture to do that would be pretty slim. As for diesels with glow plugs, it may be that ether may "poison" the catalytic metal and render it less effective.

 

[LBrown59]

Was skipping over the latest Menards sale insert, and among the items labeled "Get ready for winter" I observed starting fluid. Jeez...I didn't even think the stuff was still around. Last time I used some was back about 1978, my Nova used a carb and I gave it a healthy dose of starting fluid one bitter morning. Pull the air cleaner lid, and spray...so easy back then.

Seems like it would be rather hard to spray the stuff into today's intake systems, and I don't even know if it works in a fuel injected engine anyhow.

Can anybody advise me? Thanks.

I have .

 

[me0418840987]

Only thing I use it in anymore is the Ford 800, and Demolition derby vehicles that end up with water in the carbs from sitting outside all winter uncared for. Needed it for the forklift until I fixed the pressure bleed off for the propane system.

 

[Duffster]

I have a few cans rolling around. If you need it you need it.

That said I have never used it in my trucks. never have needed it.
Seems like many are just afraid of it. But i agree if one doesn't know how to use it then they shouldn't

 

[sldva00]

I used it several times at the beginning of this year on my 98.5 Cummins when my VP44 injection pump gave out. Before doing so, I disconnected the heater. Its Summer time most of the year down here. I knew the fuel temperature wasn't the problem. I just removed the air filter and sprayed the smallest amount into the intake. I don't even think the cannister was depressed for more than a second. A real quick small burst is all the engine needed to start.

I didn't make it a habit. I replaced the injection pump along with the injetors (wanted a little more HP) at the first chance I got.