Starting fluid use

casey lb1914 · Jan 28, 2007

Is there a problem with using starter fluid on my LB 1914 ? Friends say that it will destroy my engine if I continue to use it on cold starts. The only time it is used is on below 30 degree days. Thanks

IH3444 · Jan 28, 2007

Been using it on my 1971 backhoe for almost 20 years, with no ill effects. You only need to give it a slight sniff. The problem arises when people hose the starting ether into the intake, and then try and start the engine. The excessive ether causes the diesel engine to start much too hard, and there in where the problem lies.........It can cause engine lock up, and a good long wait is in order to allow the ether to evaporate off, and a new attempt to start is tried. I haven't had a problem, but I'm sure that there are horror stories.

bluechip · Jan 28, 2007

I have seen cracked cylinder sleeves and broken piston rings on tractors started with either. I have heard that once an engine gets started a few times on either, it will need it to start everytime. Not sure that one is scientific or a wives (husbands?) tale like swimming after eating gives you cramps....

Ken S.in Ky. · Jan 28, 2007

A mechanic told me once that useing starting fluid in excess would damage the injector to the point you would have to use it all the time to get it to start.said it would burn the tips of the injector so they put a stream of fuel instead of a mist into the cylinder. Don't know if it is fact or not maybe bluechip can shed some thought on the possibility.

MrsTractor · Jan 28, 2007

I would not suggest using either on a engine with glow plugs unless the glow plugs are unhooked other wise you will be looking at a very costly rebuild.

Rick