Re: Ether

Posted by pat on October 27, 2003 at 07:49:20 from (129.71.156.3):

In Reply to: Ether posted by Allan on October 27, 2003 at 06:03:04:

Allan,

I saw your post, and thought i might add a little from what i have observed and been taught.

First, let me say that I must agree with the fact that Deere has and still does intend for use ether for their engines. In fact, most of the machines that came into the JD dealer where I worked were ordered this way.

Now, let me say that ether use does shorten engine life. The problem lies in the fact ether "burns" so quickly and hot that it removes the oil film on the cly. wall, therefore causing excessive wear-especially if cranked for an extended time before starting. Another side-effect of "fast burn time" of ether can result in cracked/broken piston rings. These are reasons engines get "hooked", and require ether to be started later on.

Another problem is the use of ether with glow plugs. This can result (as others have said)is cyl. heads being blown off of the block. This is due to the fact that the glow plugs may possibly ignite the ether at the wrong time in several cyls. at the same time. This would be most likely in the later model V-8 IH engines (power stroke-with direct injection and glow plugs) In the older IH V-8's(6.9's and 7.3's) and the GM 6.2 and 6.5's that used pre-combustion chambers, the ether would be more likely to actually blow the head apart opposed to off due to the location of igition being inside the head(pre-combustion chamber).

The Cummins and some Kubotas (probably more brands) that use an intake heater would be less likely to have a "head exploding" situation, but more likely result in an engine fire, if the heater was not disabled.

Do I think ether is evil-No
Should it be used sparingly and as a last resort-Yes.

I would rather suggest an electric block heater (water or oil), most tractors can be parked close to electric power source when finished for the day anyway, this will reduce wear in other places(bearings, rings, cly. wall) as well as aiding in faster starts. Like you said earlier, timing plays a huge role! If the engine is too worn, rebuild it! It probably is not very efficient if it has to have ether every time it is started any way.

Hope this helps with any questions.

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