Starter Fluid

[boatgrunt]

I heard using starter fluid is bad for your engine. Is this true and if so, Why?

I know it's not the normal way to start your engine and you should not have to rely on it, but in a pinch, just curious as to how it would damage the engine.

 

[tommays]

Re: Starter Fluid

Its Way to strong when it ignites compared to gas and stresses all the parts


Tommays

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Starter Fluid

Some say that since it is such a powerful solvent it will wash the cylinder walls. I would think that is has pretty much vaporized by the time it gets to the cylinders so that wouldn't be a problem.

Since starting fluid ignites easier than gasoline and at a lower pressure I would be worried about the pre-ignition that may occur.

If you use it, i would not use it on a regular basis.

 

[Zackman]

Re: Starter Fluid

Tommays is correct, but wanted to add a little more technical explaination...

Diethyl Ether, is the compound responsible for combustion in most "starter fluid" products. It has a low lower explosive limit of about 270 F. It is widely used to assist in starting diesel engines to start the flame front and ignite the diesel fuel. In gasoline engines, a spark is used for ignition and the possibility for too fast of a flame front in a gasoline engine is a real possibility. This rapid flame front can causes an explosion in the cylinder (detonation), which of course can damage engine components. The inability to control the mixture of Diethyl Ether and air creates the real possibility of excessive detonation and damage.

In a pinch you should be okay using in a gasoline engine, just be sure to use as little as possible and don't spray while trying to start.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starter Fluid

Ayuh,........

Gas Or Diesel motor,.......

Ether will Hammer the Rings Right Out of It................

 

[Don S]

Re: Starter Fluid

If you have to use starting fluid to start a gas engine, there is something really wrong. All you have to do is keep up with simple maintenance items like spring tuneups before first launch of the season, or a yearly tuneup for those year round boaters and you won't have a need for it. IF something breaks in the ignition, then starting fluid won't help. IF it's a carb problem due to lack of fuel, squirting some gas in the carb is better than the either.
Leave that stuff on the old Farmal tractor, not on your boat.