Using ether in 7.3 IDI

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Dec 7, 2011 | 11:13 PM

NOLAnewshound

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Using ether in 7.3 IDI

I have seen all the horror stories about using ether as well as those who say it is okay.

The glow plugs on my 89 7.3L IDI do not come on by themselves. There is a button to push and wait for the WTS light to go off to cycle them. They do not come on otherwise. I guess I need new ones. We have had a cold snap here, and I hadn't plugged the truck in, so I sprayed a split second puff of ether near the air filter before I started it, and it started up after a few seconds. I know better than to spray a bunch into it, or spray it while it is cranking and so on. I used to drive big rigs and never needed it before in my life, so it never came up. Is this okay the way I described it?

Thanx,
David

Dec 7, 2011 | 11:23 PM

91dirtydiesel

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Joined: Nov 2008

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From: Buckley, WA

its fine if you dont use the plugs and dont over do it, i think mist it into the intake while its cranking is a better route tho

Dec 8, 2011 | 09:59 AM

jas88

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From: Greater Austin, Texas

I've never had a problem but I always make sure to shoot the shortest little blast from the can I can manage.

Dec 8, 2011 | 10:13 AM

snaponprofile

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Joined: Feb 2010

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From: NY

Yes, thats correct, just don't use GP's.

Its definitely less effective when you have a turbo, 5 ft of pipe, intercooler, another 5ft of pipe, and THEN the intake manifold.

Dec 10, 2011 | 10:03 PM

dieselaholic

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Joined: Jan 2008

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From: Southern IL

Thats why you run a little plastic line from your cab to the top of the intake manifold. That a way you can give it a snort from the cab and it goes directly in the intake!!! Not that i have seen this done before.