I have a 2002 F-250 7.3 powerstroke. I have heard you should not use starting fluid on them. Is that true and if so, why?
2007-01-16 05:16:49 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I am the kind of guy that wants to know why or why not I should or shouldn't do something! Please include that in your answer if you can!
2007-01-16 05:49:23 · update #1
You have heard correctly. If you have an engine block heater simply hook it to a heavy duty timer which turns the heater on at a predetermined time. The use of starting fluid causes early ignition inside of your combustion chambers. This may lead to a hydraulic action to your connecting rods and may causing bending. Starting fluid is non lubricated highly volatile fluid containing Diethyl Ether, Heptaneand and many other dry highly flammable fluids. They all flash to combustion far below the designed compression pressure flash your diesel fuel produces. Ask other diesel owners or your dealer If the following has more credibility than starting fluid. Many diesel farm tractor owners use WD-45 instead of starting fluid in a pinch when the engine block is colder than the normal starting temperature. Please understand, compression ratio is only small part helping a diesel starting properly on cold days. The actual fuel itself may not be blended with enough kerosene, shape of the combustion chamber, injectors, pumps and design of the power cell within the the combustion chamber causes engines to fire up during cold temp. starts from diesel engine to the next.
2007-01-16 06:05:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like a fuel delivery problem 1) Replace the fuel filter if you haven't already done it. 2) Check the fuel pump pressure for proper fuel pressure 3) Check the fuel pressure regulator 4) Check the fuel return line for kinks and or plugging 5) Make sure the air filter is clean as well, by the way try not to use starting fluid use WD-40 instead. These are the most likely cause with a diesel when you have to use WD-40 to start it. Good Luck and God Bless
2016-05-25 01:11:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, do not use starting fluid in a Powerstroke, or any diesel engine that has glow plugs!
2007-01-16 05:22:15 · answer #3 · answered by Smitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your having trouble starting it may need an oil change. Sounds stupid but the injector pump is operated by engine produced oil pressure. If the oil is old/low it will become frothy and the bubbles effect the extremely high pressure required to provide adequate fuel pressure. Also air in the system is problematic,as is dirty filters.. If you live in Canada, plug it in..In most of the New England states it should start..No need for ether...A block heater might be a good idea if you live where it is constantly cold...
2007-01-16 05:28:33 · answer #4 · answered by buzzwaltz 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Starting fluid is not advised in diesel engines that have glow plugs because of the chance of damaging them.
2007-01-16 05:21:36 · answer #5 · answered by mark t 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Starting fluid will burn holes in piston blow head gaskets heads and all sorts of other nasty things.Diesel burns at a set rate a controlled rate. Starting fluid explodes. If you use starting fluid on your diesel it could blow the engine so stay away from it.
GM tech for 20 years
2007-01-16 05:24:00 · answer #6 · answered by Rudedude 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is not recommended because if not done carefully it will damage the engine. Also if there is a starting problem in a modern diesel engine it is usually a glow plug problem.
2007-01-16 05:26:01 · answer #7 · answered by gary o 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋