using ether for very cold weather starts

[mattias]

Have you used ether to help your delica start in very cold temperatures? Where do you spray it, exactly?

Our Delica rarely sees temperatures below -5, but this weekend it sat for two days at -13 (Apex).

I managed to get it started but only after 5 anxious minutes and four attempts. I understand "quick start" or other aerosol ether products can help diesels fire up in cold temperatures.

Any help on this topic would be really appreciated. We're going to do a few more road trips this winter and I'd hate to be stuck. Thanks!

[TardisDeli]

Dangerous stuff ether. And not designed for diesel compression. Fire hazard, uh oh. As for inhalation...

If you live in Vancouver, as we do, you shouldnt' have had any problems as it hasnt been that cold (just lotsa white). So, look instead at the little things that might be OK in normal temperatures, but now under stress : tighten battery connection; fill the diesel tank to reduce condensation, put in winterizing anti-gel additive if you buy crappy diesel; check the oil (should be 5wxx not 10wxx); phone Butch at CVI Automotive Richmond (recommended elsewhere on this site, Mardy has them well trained) for a fuel pump/glow plug check; ensure you leave at least 9 seconds time for the glow plugs to activate prior to hearing it click off and then depress the fuel pedal; stop at CrappyTire for a quick battery check. Hmm, probably more, but those are major culprits. Let us know if you want to meet up to compare delica noises & symptoms to help isolate more. Cheers, Christine and Jay of the Tardis Deli, in the alpine highlands of Burnaby.

[Green1]

A note on "Starting aids" any chemical that is added to the engine to improve cold starting is inherently dangerous as they are designed to make the fuel ignite more easily, and therefore you risk it igniting before things are ready for it.

I don't generally recommend using any of those sorts of things, however if you decide to do so, be certain that your glow-plugs are disconnected before doing so! the glow plugs could ignite the starting aid and cause a real mess!

[Fishtank]

So you are the other Delica that I've seen up at Apex, do you have a condo there or are you just visiting? I was once told never to use ether on a diesel, so I avoid it at all costs. I have the advantage of a block heater and I have had absolutely no problems starting in the mornings. (I live just below Apex so I get the same temps as the hill).

I did forget to plug in one night and was able to get a start with just a little difficulty, 2 cranking cycles, using the method of glow plug cycle 2-3 times and crank with pedal to the floor until she catches. It just takes a bit to get used to cranking that long. I just live down the hill and can help if needed, PM me and I will give you my contact #'s.

Good luck.

[mattias]

Thanks to everyone for the great advice . . . I've only ever used ether in my PVC potato gun, where it works beautifully. I'll keep it for the spuds and away from the glow plugs.

I was only visiting Apex over the weekend for a hockey tourney. It's beautiful up there. Fishtank: thanks for the offer to help. Cheers,

Mattias

[EnviroImports.com]

Please please please dont use either, but if your going to, let me or your favorite parts guy know, so we can order you a new head as yours wont last as long as the can of either. the problem is you have a High compression engine so you heat the chamber squirt in some fuel, squeeze it and you have Boom.
well on a diesel head the clearances are so small , when you put in either or other excelerants, it will start your engine and start it VERY fast, But the either will ignite befor the piston is at top dead center also called Pre ignition and your engine will race uncontrolably until the either is used up, but all four cylinders will be PRE-Fireing and you will have explosive power on your valves and pistons when they are in the wrong position, so you piston is not likely to give, but your head is Going to suffer damage,
about ten years ago, I was in Norther Alberta and in a truely do or die senario where if I dident get my diesel blazer started I could have very easily frozen to death, I chose to use the either to MAKE the truck start and get it going, well I was able to get the truck running, it ran Badly even once it stayed running, got back to town and had to pay close to 4g for new heads on a engine that has cast iron heads, not the light weight ones that we have. so in a pinch yes either will save you and Force motor to run, but use it spareingly and know what damage can happen.
Noel

[jcolvin]

Ether is NOT good to use on diesels with glow plugs. The hot glow plug can ignite the ether before the cylinder reaches TDC and do some serious damage. New engine sort of damage. Then again, I do know people who use ether on their glow plugged diesels but IMHO they are rolling the dice. Perhaps if it a case of using ether or calling a tow truck then you might get away with it but I wouldn't make a habit of it. Better to replace your plugs and put in a Wilson switch (manual glow plug switch).

Jonatha Colvin
Richmond