Starting Fluid Is Handy To Have Around

[velvetfoot]

I was just trying to start a generator that hasn't run for several years. I drained the gas before storage. Pulled and pulled: no go. A couple squirts of ether and it started right up. It's a good thing to have a can, in case.

 

[Jags]

Please use cautiously. More than one motor has barfed parts due to heavy use of that stuff. Its good stuff, but it can be misused as well.

 

[heat seeker]

Jags is right - I've seen it done.

My old rototiller will not start unless I give it a quick shot of the stuff. The gas tank has a part that serves as the carb's bowl, and if it drains, no amount of pulling the rope will fill it so the engine will run. Getting the engine to run for 10 seconds or so on the fluid fills the bowl, and all is good.

 

[semipro]

And with some relatively simple processing with water and a baggie it can be used as an emergency anesthetic.

 

[blades]

Does a number on various insects as well.

 

[ironpony]

do not use it on a diesel with grid heaters, makes a BIG boom.

 

[velvetfoot]

I'm gonna try it on the other generators I have around that I keep without gas in them. As I recall, it always is somewhat of a hassle to pull, and pull, and pull before they start. This could make things go quicker and easier when they are really needed, not just tested.

 

[Tom123]

I prefer to remove the air cleaner and put a little gasoline in the end of the carb as a prime. I have also removed the spark plug and dripped a little gas right in the combustion chamber. An old turkey baster is handy for this.

 

[heat seeker]

I use carb cleaner in a spray can, since I have it around. Works just fine.

 

[Hogwildz]

Starter fluid smells wonderful! And a little goes a long way with gas engines.

 

[velvetfoot]

I just started another generator that hadn't run for years and it started right up, sans ether. Go figure.