Ether in 2 stroke engines

[Mikecouil1]

In another thread I posted that I squirted a shot of ether in all 3 cylinders of my 1977 70 HP Evinrude and it fired right up. Someone posted after me that I should not have done that.<br /><br />Can I ask why? Right on the can it says it can be used on outboard engines. It's not pure ether. It's a can of "thrust" brand starting fluid. <br /><br />I ran the boat today for about 2 hours or so and went through a complete tank of gas. The only problem I noticed was that I dont seem to be getting as much gas as I should. It wants to die while being shifted from neutral to forward or reverse but once it goes in gear it's fine. I'm guessing a partially clogged carbuerator? The starting fluid wouldn't have caused this would it? My dad said to put a can of Sea-Foam in it and that even after that it may still keep doing it. He said it's common for the older motors to behave like that. Is that true? <br /><br />Thanks again for the help on my other thread.<br /><br />Mike

 

[DJ]

Re: Ether in 2 stroke engines

Mike,<br /><br />I was the "one" that warned you about ether.<br /><br />Starting fluids do not have oil mixed with them. Also, they are very aggresive cleaning agents. In effect, they wash all of the protective oil film off of engine parts.<br /><br />You probably didn't hurt it with a couple of blasts.<br /><br />Even if the can says it's OK for outboards, I'll bet they won't fix your engine.<br /><br />Now, you probably are on the edge of having some carb. problems. It concerns me that you say it is a bit "down" on power. You may have a lean condition in one or more of the carbs. Running lean is NOT good for outboards. <br /><br />Your description of how it runs sounds like gummed up carbs. The Sea Foam won't hurt (use it myself) however, I would monitor its performance closely. If it doesn't improve in short order, carb. rebuilds are in order.<br /><br />You can do it yourself-with a manual.

 

[Mikecouil1]

Re: Ether in 2 stroke engines

djohns,<br /><br />Thanks a ton for the information. I dont know about rebuilding the carbs myself. Looking at this engine it all looks greek to me. I'm picking up a manual anyway, so I'll go ahead and see what it says.<br /><br />Remember, I'm the guy that took 3 1/2 hours or more to get the lower end off to put an impeller in. I also managed to destroy my ignition control panel trying to "pop" the ignition after buying the boat with no key, costing me 125.00 <br /><br />Mike

 

[gss036]

Re: Ether in 2 stroke engines

If you want to try SeaFoam, mix up about 3/4 gal gas with 3 OZ TCW3 oil and a can of Seafoam and run it about 15 minutes and let sit for 1/2 hour, then run again. It will decarbon the engine and clean gum out of the carbs. If you get a lot of carbon, repeat the process until clean. Don't run the engine over 2000 rpm/ 1200-1500 is pleanty.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Ether in 2 stroke engines

Mike, its not how long it took you to get the lower unit off the first time, but how quickly it will go the next time you do it. Its the learning process for all of us, that gives us a sense of accomplishment. <br /><br />If you have a wife to answer to, then it is how much money you saved by doing it yourself.<br /><br />The most important thing you learned so far is that you should have bought the manual first. <br />Good Luck and have fun.

 

[WaltCorwin]

Re: Ether in 2 stroke engines

Go for the carb rebuild. I just did all 3 on my 200 Merc V6. Toward the tailend of a complete restoration and I haven't tested under a load, but the motor fires right up now and idles very nicely. The Merc carbs are extremely simple (hardly anything to screw up) and yours are probably similar. Just keep everything really clean, rebuild them one at a time, then have a beer and congratulate yourself.<br /><br />W. Corwin<br />DeBary, FL<br />'82 ChrisCraft Scorpion 23' CC

 

[grandx]

Re: Ether in 2 stroke engines

Starting fluid... I've used it myself in the past and they do make it now with lubricants added so it's probably not so detrimental to the engine as straight ether in itself,,, but the reason you needed it to start the engine is the same reason you shouldn't run the engine. 2 strokes get their lube with the fuel, if a jet is clogged (starving engine/wants to die) equals less lube and running lean as well. If you need starting fluid to start it, you probably are in need of a carb cleaning.

 

[Mikecouil1]

Re: Ether in 2 stroke engines

sincerely appreciate the advice guys.

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: Ether in 2 stroke engines

Mikecouil1 <br /><br />"It wants to die while being shifted from neutral to forward or reverse but once it goes in gear it's fine. I'm guessing a partially clogged carbuerator?"<br /><br />It sounds to me like the idle mixture may be lean. I would open the idle mixture screw 1/4 turn and see if that helps the situation. If if doesn't try another 1/4 turn. If that still doesn't do it then it's time for a carb rebuild.<br /><br />Good Luck, <br /><br />Gold Bear