Sometimes owners of diesels use ether as a starting fluid.
Apparently, this somehow does something to the engine which renders it unstartable without ether.
What does the ether do to an engine to make it “addicted”?
Nope, not true Enola Straight. I’ve used it at times to start diesels, next day if it’s a few degrees warmer the engine might start without it no problem.
On futher consideration, I’m going to try again. It’s not that the ether does something to the engine which renders it unstartable without ether, it’s likely that the engine needs work ( worn piston rings and valve guides), has poor compression and needs the ether to compensate. And will continue to need it.
From what I understand, ether burns MUCH hotter than gasoline or diesel and you will damage an engine by running it too much off of ether. It can, and does, ruin rings and other seals.
Thats why you rarely see any engine that runs exclusivly off of ether, though there are some I beleive.
Ah crap, hit submit too fast.
Diesel engines work by igniting the fuel using the heat from the compression of the cylinder, unlike a gasoline engine which uses spark plugs. Once you cash your rings you loose some of that compression which will make your engine hard, if not impossible, to start. Ether is MUCH more flammable than diesel so it makes it easier to start the engine. The more you use it though the more you will exasberate the problem. Doesnt hurt once and a while though.
Any good diesel is going to have glowplugs that help you start it in the cold.