Is starting fluid OK to use?

GaDawg81 · Oct 4, 2004

I have a YM 180D that I absolutley love. It is just extremely difficult to start. I have tried the thermo-start, but that doesn't seem to help. I can spray a 1-second spray of starting fluid in the intake and it fires up immediately. Will I cause any damage if I use it regularly?

thanks

mark777 · Oct 5, 2004

Yes, it will cause damage. According to Yanmar experts (especially marine) this is what they say: ' Not only does the use of ether not solve the problem, it also is liable to shorten the life of the engine by causing serious damage. Damage includes cracked piston ring grooves, rings and pistons. When a cylinder fires from normal injection, the fuel burns for the entire stroke of the piston. Ether explodes when the compression gets it hot enough and that could be well before the piston is at the top of its compression stroke and the forces exerted are well beyond the engine design".

I barrowed this article because it is Yanmar specific and also included the three basic cold start problems. 1 - Properly adjusted valves. 2 - Good battery and cables properly sized with clean tight connections. Failing wire and connections result in slower starter motor speed. 3 - Starter motor must be in good condition. 4 - Good clean fuel and filters.

Hope this helps, Regards Mark

gbirky · Oct 5, 2004

DON'T USE ETHER!!! Try WD40, it works reasonably well. It is alot like diesel fuel in that it burns relatively slowly, but it ignites quite a bit easier than diesel. If you have good fresh fuel and clean filters (fuel and air), then difficult starting is either due to cold weather, or low engine compression (mis-adjusted valves, or worn rings).

If your starting problems due to cold weather, I would highly recommend getting a block heater. The thermo-start system never worked well for me. I mean, it does function properly, it just doesn't warm the intake enough to help much in starting the engine.

Yanmar sells a block heater which threads into a hole in the side of the engine block. My YM1301D had two of these threaded holes on the right side of the engine block. I plug the heater in about a half hour before I want to use the tractor anytime the temperatures are below freezing. Then it starts up like it was 70 deg out.

gbirky · Oct 5, 2004

By the way, welcome to TBN. Please fill out your profile so we know a bit more about you. Location is especially useful when diagnosing tractor problems, or providing any kind of advice.

fig · Oct 5, 2004

Greg,

You say Yanmar makes the block heater. Where can I find one for a 1700 and how much do they cost? Would Hoye or some of the other suppliers on this forum keep them? During the cold months in NC it takes a little longer to get it running. I know that a better battery with more cranking amps would help, but I would like to have a block heater too.

gbirky · Oct 5, 2004

I posted information last year in this post. I don't know if it will fit in the YM1700 or not. Check to see if you have a threaded plug in the side of the engine block (I think it is 1" NPT). My YM1110D didn't have a threaded hole, so I ended up making a pipe with 3/4" spud to take a 3/4 NPT block heater. I put this in the lower radiator hose. A lower radiator hose heater will be alot less expensive, and should be available locally at an auto parts store. I found one for 1" radiator hose at my local Advance Auto Parts store. I think it was around $20. I just didn't have enough space to put it in and orient it correctly.