using starting fluids for 6.9 diesel

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Nov 12, 2007 | 09:01 PM

morganic

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using starting fluids for 6.9 diesel

hey i have an 86 f250 with the 420 diesel in it and i just shorted out my block heater, without which my truck severely dislikes starting in cold temps. (its just below freezing at night)
I am wondering if for a quick fix to get it to start (i am at friends house in the kootenays and i live on the coast 800km's away.. i need to go home!) would it be possible to use ether or some other type of starting fluid like they use in heavy equipment? my glow plugs are on a manual switch if that makes a difference. also with the manual GP switch how long can you fire the plugs each time without cooking them and how long should you wait between firings? lastly how hard is it to change the block heater? I plugged it in and saw a big spark under the motor... is there fusible links on these or could just the wire fry and just need to be replaced?

Nov 12, 2007 | 10:39 PM

starmilt

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From: Faibanks Ak.

I used either on one every day for several years but not with gps.
good chance it is just your wires rubed together I would check that first.
if you use either it don't take much even at 0.

Nov 12, 2007 | 10:43 PM

morganic

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you say you used ether all the time on one of these, but without glow plugs, do you mean the engine didn't have them or when using ether you didn't use the plug controller? could the ether damage the plugs upon combustion?

Nov 12, 2007 | 10:50 PM

Breech

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From: Denair, CA

The previous owner of my truck used ether to start it because the gp's were not working. He only did it when it was very cold out and used a very quick shot of spray........I mean just a little touch to help it get kicked over. I wouldn't recommend using it all the time but just to get it started here and there it shouldn't have any adverse effects. Do remember though.......only a very quick little shot of spray.

Nov 12, 2007 | 11:28 PM

kevbits

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From: Chesapeake, VA

The guy i got my truck from used ether everyday to start it since 2002. he told me just do a really quick squirt. i have not had any problems with mine.

Nov 12, 2007 | 11:51 PM

Finnzo

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From: Corvallis/Albany, Ore.

I think the biggest danger from ether is a backfire out the carb when the stuff touches off on a hot glow plug -- am I right? I do know mine was abused extensively with ether before I bought it but seems to be just fine. I sure wouldn't do it in any non-emergency situation though.

cheers!

--Finn John (90 Fordbinder F250 std cab 4x4 zf-5 4.10s, 444 "IH Inside")
Corvallis/Albany, Ore.

Nov 12, 2007 | 11:55 PM

monsterbaby

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From: iowa

don't use teh gp s if you use ether but it won't hurt and just a little squirt on the air filter (don't spray directly down teh intake)

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Nov 13, 2007 | 12:04 AM

starmilt

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From: Faibanks Ak.

The 6,9 I used either on everyday I have in a 76 highboy never wired up gp's.
this pickup has been retired for several years but it still runs.

Nov 13, 2007 | 12:41 AM

#10

tbone91

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Don't even touch the glow plug switch if you use ether! You can stretch head bolts, blow head gaskets, break rings, or worse...

I've never tried it personally, but others have mentioned pointing a heat gun or strong hair dryer into the intake while cranking to help starting on a cold morning.

Sounds like your glow plugs aren't working right. Have you tested them?

Nov 13, 2007 | 01:26 AM

#11

benwill1

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Joined: Aug 2007

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WD-40!!!!! Take a good look at the cord going to the block heater..It's prob just the cord bad.

Nov 13, 2007 | 01:00 PM

#12

460429_freak

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From: missouri

my father in law did this to his truck (ether) now it wont start in the morning without ether even when it 80 degrees out...

maybe once to start it to get home but fix the GP'S

Nov 13, 2007 | 08:33 PM

#13

Dave Sponaugle

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From: Nutter Fort, WV

If everything is working like it should be and you have good batteries, starting with just glow plugs should be easy at -10 degrees F.

Glow plugs ignite ether before the piston ever gets close to TDC.

Rings, headgaskets, headbolts and starter will all thank you if you fix the glow plugs.

Heat the glow plugs for 10 seconds, start the engine.

Nov 14, 2007 | 12:53 AM

#14

David85

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From: Campbell River, B.C.

I rebuilt a 2.3L diesel once that showed signs of having been exposed to either. All but one of the pistons had cracked (broken in two pieces) upper compression rings. In theory, the engine will still run, but at reduced compression, and one might be tempted to think the engine is addicted to starter fluid. When it comes to diesels, just say no to either.

Either also has a mich higher flame speed which makes a predetonation that much more dangerous for the engine.