Using starting fluid periodically
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From: Wichita Falls
Using starting fluid periodically
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 03-May-02 AT 10:59 PM (EST)]First of all, I would like to thank everyone at this site for their support and great advice. It has helped me tremedously. I have another question to pick your brains with:
My injectors and injection pump need to be replaced. Until I have the money to do that, I have to make do. Twice in the last month, my 1987 F250 w/6.9. would not start. I had the bright idea to spray a small amount(1.5-2 seconds worth) of starting fluid (Ether) into the air breather. The truck started after that. My concern is whether this will cause any long term damage to the internal components.
Thanks for everyone's help.
Tommy
Wichita Falls, TX
1987 F250, 6.9L diesel, automatic, 148,000K
My injectors and injection pump need to be replaced. Until I have the money to do that, I have to make do. Twice in the last month, my 1987 F250 w/6.9. would not start. I had the bright idea to spray a small amount(1.5-2 seconds worth) of starting fluid (Ether) into the air breather. The truck started after that. My concern is whether this will cause any long term damage to the internal components.
Thanks for everyone's help.
Tommy
Wichita Falls, TX
1987 F250, 6.9L diesel, automatic, 148,000K
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From: Bonney Lake, WA
Using starting fluid periodically
I think ether is a real bad thing for diesels, but I'm not exactly sure what part is being put in danger. It's possible that the part your endangering is something you're going to replace anyway, but I'd be real sure before I did it again.
Just my $.02.
Just my $.02.
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From: Jackson, MS
Using starting fluid periodically
I actually have some info on that somewhere around here. With my incredibly organized filing system, it may take a bit, but i'll try to find it. I DO remember that it says ether is pretty much a no-no. I'll see if I can't dig it up and see what it hurts.
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From: Twin Cities, MN
Using starting fluid periodically
I was always told to be carefull not to blow the heads off. We do it when we need to, and when we do it we make sure the glow plugs are not cycling (unplug the system). All that is needed is just a quick squirt. 1 to 2 seconds like stated above.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Toronto, Canada
Using starting fluid periodically
So its just because of the glow plug sytem that ether is a no no? That would make sense because our 110-175 hp JD tractors have ether injection systems for starting. when our 90hp tractor got real old, you had to use ether even on the hottest day of the year!
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Using starting fluid periodically
You never want to use ether on any diesel engine as the engine just eventually becomes a ether pig and needs it all the time to start. Ether has no lubrication propertys to it so eventually you start to get wear on the parts from using it. We have a International Inline 6 engine and we busted a valve from using to much ether and all we did was give it a slight sniff but she hammered to hard and now its missing. I would get the injection system fixed or plug the truck in using starting fluid is nothing but bad news if your stuck I hear WD-40 works as a ether replacement.
We have a 310 John Deere backhoe and its got the ether injection and it never worked properly so we have a fitting in the intake manifold with a valve on it. When we start the machine you open the valve give it a squirt of starting fluid and close the valve and the sucker fires right up. Killing the battery in a Deere backhoe is a pain the damn battery box is so small you can't get jumper cables or charger clamps on without shorting something.
We have a 310 John Deere backhoe and its got the ether injection and it never worked properly so we have a fitting in the intake manifold with a valve on it. When we start the machine you open the valve give it a squirt of starting fluid and close the valve and the sucker fires right up. Killing the battery in a Deere backhoe is a pain the damn battery box is so small you can't get jumper cables or charger clamps on without shorting something.
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From: Wichita Falls
Using starting fluid periodically
Thanks, I replaced the glowplugs about 4 months ago and normally don't have a problem. I have a push button on the dash and cycle them on/off at 5-8 second intervals. And about the block warmer, that's an entirely different can of worms. I have two and can't determine if either works. One plug near my grill goes down beside the engine to the block and the other goes to a red cylinder about 4" round and 10" long that's inline with my heater hose. I've plugged both of 'em in and there is no difference. Honestly, I don't think either works but I really don't need 'em. Here in North Texas the mercury has already reached the 100's.
Hopefully I'll get it fixed soon and I really appreciate your advice and concern.
Tommy
Hopefully I'll get it fixed soon and I really appreciate your advice and concern.
Tommy
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Bellingham USA
Using starting fluid periodically
Using starting fluid in a vehicle with a glow plug system can cause engine damage or even personal injury.
Beside the glow plugs slowly dying off one by one, the solenoid at the back of the engine block is the usual reason that the glow plugs do not work.
I am curious why you have a button to cycle the glow plugs. You should have a control module that activates the plugs automaticly.
As for your block heaters if they worked you would know it. The elements have probably burnt out in them. The one in the block first, that is why you also have the red one (the cases are prone to rotting out around the seams.) Replace or Eliminate.
Beside the glow plugs slowly dying off one by one, the solenoid at the back of the engine block is the usual reason that the glow plugs do not work.
I am curious why you have a button to cycle the glow plugs. You should have a control module that activates the plugs automaticly.
As for your block heaters if they worked you would know it. The elements have probably burnt out in them. The one in the block first, that is why you also have the red one (the cases are prone to rotting out around the seams.) Replace or Eliminate.
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From: Wichita Falls
Using starting fluid periodically
"I am curious why you have a button to cycle the glow plugs.
You should have a control module that activates the plugs
automaticly. "
When I bought the truck, the relay controller that cycles the GP was already out so I wired the GP to the solenoid (behind the breather) and put them on a button. Several people on this website have the same setup that works for them too.
Thanks for your input. I've decided to stop using the ether and just fix it right!
You should have a control module that activates the plugs
automaticly. "
When I bought the truck, the relay controller that cycles the GP was already out so I wired the GP to the solenoid (behind the breather) and put them on a button. Several people on this website have the same setup that works for them too.
Thanks for your input. I've decided to stop using the ether and just fix it right!
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