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

[MossRoad]

The two identical threads have been merged to avoid cross-conversations. Please continue the discussion.

 

[Jstpssng]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

I've seen unlit propane used to try to start a flooded engine but was never sure why. They ran it straight into the carb and let it flow while cranking the engine.

I was working in a snowstorm ,using WD40 one day to clean the air filter in my brush saw, it would run then for a while then I"d hit it again After a while it quit, when the mechanic took it apart the crankcase was full of what he said was silicon...
Not long before that he had replaced the crankshaft under warranty, and what was in the crankcase looked suspiciously like the absorbent he used to clean the shop.

 

[ForumJunkie]

How do I verify my choke?
How do I test my fuel pump?
How do I test for vacuum?

Can anyone help me learn how to do this?
I have never touched a tractor engine in my life

 

[ForumJunkie]

Tractor did not start this morning.
I will have the dealer pick it up and service it.

I have no idea how to troubleshoot it, but would have loved to attempt to learn.

 

[PILOON]

What hasn't been mentioned is that starter fluid (either) is one good way of destroying small engines.
(Like putting a rod thru the crankcase.)
It is OK on big heavy cast iron diesel engines but murder on most smaller ones.
A lot of smaller diesel's are simply re-purposed gas engines and not quite up to the higher compressions.

 

[metalbender]

My thoughts after reading of the low hrs and should be under warranty.

 

[Egon]

What hasn't been mentioned is that starter fluid (either) is one good way of destroying small engines.
(Like putting a rod thru the crankcase.)
It is OK on big heavy cast iron diesel engines but murder on most smaller ones.
A lot of smaller diesel's are simply re-purposed gas engines and not quite up to the higher compressions.

One should also note a backfire while putting a fluid in the carb. May shorten you life or cause considerable fire damage.

 

[KennyG]

What hasn't been mentioned is that starter fluid (either) is one good way of destroying small engines.
(Like putting a rod thru the crankcase.)
It is OK on big heavy cast iron diesel engines but murder on most smaller ones.
A lot of smaller diesel's are simply re-purposed gas engines and not quite up to the higher compressions.

Like anything else, you have to use it correctly. I had an 8 HP Tecumseh chipper shredder that was almost impossible to start without starter fluid. I would give it a very small squirt, replace the air cleaner and it would start very smoothly with no problem. After about 10 years, I decided I didn't need it anymore and sold it. I included the starting fluid and disclosed that it was a hard starting engine.

 

[yomax4]

Re: Why does starter fluid cure my no start?

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

What a great idea. no more squeeze bottles.

 

[Tinhack]

Like anything else, you have to use it correctly. I had an 8 HP Tecumseh chipper shredder that was almost impossible to start without starter fluid. I would give it a very small squirt, replace the air cleaner and it would start very smoothly with no problem. After about 10 years, I decided I didn't need it anymore and sold it. I included the starting fluid and disclosed that it was a hard starting engine.

It probably had a sheared flywheel key. Most likely from someone using starter fluid. :laughing:

One backfire is enough to shear a key and ****** timing. That's all it takes to make an engine hard to start. It all begins with a bad plug, fuel or air problem. Starter fluid is NOT a fix. :laughing: