Dont use starter fluid!!!! This is some dangerous stuff.
Every time Ive ever used it I wound up with a little fire.
The last time I used it I got a big fire.
O yea, make sure you you remember where you stashed
the damm fire extinguisher if you ever do use it. Later......

:-staun


Topic subject added by moderator.

 

The trick is how you use it. I have never had a problem with it. You just use a very brief squirt while the engine is cranking. Too much and you can get a fire or exposion. Unless you have real problems with an engine, or conditions, starting fluid is rarely required. In the old days with low tech, worn out, low compression engines, with poor ignition systems it had a use.

 

I'd have to agree. Tired, worn or out of tune engines and trashed carburetors have to be starter and battery companies best friend. Grinding away at the starter runs the battery down (standard lead acid batteries don't like to be discharged) as well as trashes out expensive starters.

I'm thinking that starting fluid might have a limited purpose though -- if you live in the north where it gets arctic cold and no garage or block heaters, a shot of starting fluid might be just the ticket for a quick engine start - and preventing wear and tear on the battery and starter. Other than that,.. I dunno.



Keep 'er between the ditches.

 

Yeah, arctic cold is one of those "conditions" I was referring to:-)

 

I have to agree that you can start a real big fire real fast with the ether in starting fluid. I also have to say that I have an everyweek use for it - starting my compressor. I built a gas-powered compressor for maximum output at minimum cost. It puts out about 20 cfm at 125 psi (15 cfm or so at 175 psi) and works just fine for grit blasting and anything else I've used it for.

I'm a pretty big lump of stuff but when I used to get on that pull cord it was a five minute chore to get it warmed up and going even in the middle of summer. I realize I could use an electric starter, a clutch on the pulley, or even a variable-speed drive to reduce the load from the compressor at low RPM. The problem is that all of these cost $$$ I'd rather spend on parts. And yes, I installed dump valves in the compressor heads so I'm not actually compressing air at startup. It's just a big compressor and gas engine that most people would not expect to start by hand.

Two years ago I needed it on a real cold day here in Ohio and just about collapsed trying to start to beast. A shot of starting fluid in the carb, though, and it fired even at low RPM with the pull cord. I have to be quick and hit it with a shot or two from the primer bulb on the carb every few seconds after it first fires until it gets up to speed and warm. I'm pretty well convinced that over the past couple of years my can of starting fluid has saved me a few heart attacks.

At any rate, I ALWAYS do this startup routine OUTSIDE, away from the shop, and NEVER have my fuel can anywhere near the compressor during startup. And yes, I have seen a few flames belched out the exhaust of the engine so take care if you do use it.

George

 

On a large diesel engine that has been sitting and lost its (fuel) prime, starter fluid is sometimes the only way to start them without draining the fuel filter. Which in cold weather can be even tougher if it has summer fuel.

 

I have never had the guts to try it, but, I have seen people seat tires on rims with the stuff.

 

I dont know who gave this post all the stars, but the truth is it is only dangerous when you use it wrong....and so is a table saw.

I have used it to seat a tire, and I do think that is dangerous.

Used in moderation it is very helpful, although for a gasser you could just as easily use WD-40.

Drew

 

I am curious as to the tire seating part, I am guess you fill her up and then somehow you gotta touch it off, whats the trick?? I can see fingers getting torn off here... cool!

 

Don't try the "tire seating" trick unless you have someone with experience teach you, even then it is DANGEROUS! Basicly a semi-controlled explosion. It is not something to even experiment with, just don't do it!

You can use a rope and a stick to expand a tire bead, -much safer.

I have no idea who gave it 5 stars:-(

 

At the 18 wheeler shop, sometimes I use ether to seat beads on the big 11r24.5 tires. I only use it if i cant get the air tank to seat the bead after trying 5 or so times. The thing is, you need 2 people. You put the chuck right on the valve stem without actually having it blow air into the tire. THen give the tire a quick shot all theway around it and make a trail to the floor. Then hit the end of the trail with a lighter and after it blows up, quickly put the air chuck on the valve stem and watch it inflate the tire. I've seen shows on tv where 4 wheelers who air their tires real low and break a bead use the stuff. They fill the tire with a quick shot of ether, then stand back and shoot a flame of ether from the can at the tire and it usually blows up quick. Just dont do it in a windy area where theres a chance of the flame blowin back in your face.

 

Starting Fluid is good when used right. I once had a dirt bike that would not run, Put a real healthy shot right in the cylinder, Gave my buddy a push start. It ran like a raped ape he lost control and crashed! he was ok but the piston had a hole the size of a quarter burned through it. I just wished I had gotten that 5 second ride! My brother has used it to seat a 38.5 tire when out in trails.He says it beats walking!Be safe everyone and keep driving Fords!

 

Around here it is hard to find-its one of the items removed from shelves like matches & cold medicine because it is used to make crystal-meth.I think Ark leads the nation in meth labs at the moment,you have to sign & provide ID to purchase OTC cold meds.Brian

 

>I have never had the guts to try it, but, I have seen people
>seat tires on rims with the stuff.

I've used it to seat an ATV tire on a hunting trip when all i had was a little 12v air compressor to work with . Had a big cut in the sidewall and used one of those big patches on the inside (I think it's called a tire boot) Then a liberal squirt of either and hit it with the flame from a propane torch and Bang! The repair lasted the rest of the week.

 

I've used the starter-fluid for mounting many tires, but I'm very careful with it. I did see a guy burn his eyebrows off and set fire to his hair a little, when he got crazy with the stuff. Sometimes, it's the only way to mount a stubborn tire.