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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Ether starting fluid.

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Huw from west w

10-01-2003 12:31:16




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Is ether starting fluid still used by american farmers to start diesel engines in cold weather and do you think it harms diesel engines in the long term.




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Ken

10-02-2003 23:57:48




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 Re: Ether starting fluid. in reply to Huw from west wales uk., 10-01-2003 12:31:16  
It's best to stay away from ether. Whenever we had trouble with a diesel starting (warm or cold weather) we would use carb cleaner or penetrating oil by Loc-Tite. This equivelent to WD-40. But don't use to much or it will work against what your trying to do. Ether is hard on oil the rings need on the top end of the cylinder. We don't use it at all. The other's answers are good advice by keeping the batteries up and plug in those block heaters and use anti-gel in the fuel.

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buickanddeere

10-02-2003 19:39:26




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 Re: Ether starting fluid. in reply to Huw from west wales uk., 10-01-2003 12:31:16  
Ether is a powerful solvent and strips the lube oil off. The rings/piston/bore then gall. The rough worn surfaces and wider clearances lower compression/increase friction making starting harder.



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Jerry A.

10-02-2003 09:33:09




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 Re: Ether starting fluid. in reply to Huw from west wales uk., 10-01-2003 12:31:16  
My used AC 175 came with the ether hook up from the factory. I've found that a block heater is superior to using the ether. In fact, the ether will sort of "lock up" the cranking...the engine doesn't like to crank against the ether. If or when the engine does fire, it will take off, but I really don't need the ether, if the engine is warm (that takes about 1.5 hours when the temp is below freezing).

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MK

10-02-2003 07:11:39




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 Re: Ether starting fluid. in reply to Huw from west wales uk., 10-01-2003 12:31:16  
Up here in western Canada our avg winter temp is -18C/0F and pluging in the block heater is sufficient. Jan/Feb we usualy dip down to -40F several times and ether becomes necessary. I agree with everyone else here, I don't like using it anymore than I have to and I use it very sparingly when starting.



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Robert

10-02-2003 06:07:21




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 Re: Ether starting fluid. in reply to Huw from west wales uk., 10-01-2003 12:31:16  
I don't own a diesel tractor, but at my work, we have several forklifts, and a Cat loader, and we NEVER use ether for starting those diesels. Some of these units have over 12,000 hours on them, and still start without the stuff.
I've been told by an old diesel mechanic, that a rag soaked with a bit of gasoline, then placed near the intake (air filter) will do as well as ether, and a lot easier on engine components.
My experience with ether over the years (at other locations), is that once an engine "gets on this stuff", it becomes addictive to it, primarily, I suppose, that the use of ether has a detrimental effect on the injector tips, causing irregular, or no spray pattern at all.
My .02 worth...

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Indydirtfarmer

10-02-2003 03:42:35




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 Re: Ether starting fluid. in reply to Huw from west wales uk., 10-01-2003 12:31:16  
In my opinion, it's harmful SHORT TERM. Don't use the stuff unless it's a last resort. Go with a block heater, and keep your batteries up in good shape.



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Jim Handke

10-01-2003 13:22:14




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 Re: Ether starting fluid. in reply to Huw from west wales uk., 10-01-2003 12:31:16  
I use ether only when I have to. Only use a little and you'll have no problems. I've been places where you could smell it in the air after they were done. I don't go for that much. And ether is deadly for cast pistons. They have been known to break above the wrist pins and the rod comes through the side of the block. Aluminum pistons take a good deal more punishment.



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MapleStone

10-01-2003 14:20:05




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 Re: Re: Ether starting fluid. in reply to Jim Handke, 10-01-2003 13:22:14  
I was at an auction once where they mysteriously started the big Allis 185 before the crowd was near it. Then when we went over near it to sell it you could still smell the ether. Someone got a "deal" that day. LOL

I'm the same as you Jim, use a little when needed only. A can would last me a long time.



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Larry

10-03-2003 06:57:27




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 Re: Re: Re: Ether starting fluid. in reply to MapleStone, 10-01-2003 14:20:05  
Been in the excavating business longer than I can remember, and have had probably 150+ engines overhauled. Years ago we used a lot of either. I've had all the problems listed by others, plus a lot of head cracks. Except for the trucks, the machines on the job cannot be plugged in. We keep our fleets elec. system in top shape all the time, and use solar battery conditioners on them to keep the batteries in top shape. If a machine won't start, it costs me a lot of money. But using either used to cost me a lot more!

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Jerry

10-01-2003 15:32:52




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 Re: Re: Re: Ether starting fluid. in reply to MapleStone, 10-01-2003 14:20:05  
Its best to use block heaters. WD-40 works as well as ether and its safer.



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Robert in W. Mi

10-01-2003 16:01:42




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Ether starting fluid. in reply to Jerry, 10-01-2003 15:32:52  
The "new" WD40 doesn't work anymore for starting fluid. The reason it "use" to work is because the propellent in it was propane.

Ether isn't so bad "if" you use a small "wiff" ONCE and ONLY when you are "already" cranking the engine over!! All my diesels start with out it so i only use ether for shooting down wasps and bee's!! :>)

Robert



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