Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



Visit the new site at vcca.org

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#166342 02/24/10 11:54 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 188
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 188
when car is not started in over 2 weeks i use a little starting fluid.saves from running battery down. after first stard does ok till it sits up again .kindly know gas drains out.some one told me starding fluid washing oil off and would hurt motor.( does starding fluid hurt any thing.) thanks smitty


smitty
Filling Station - Chevrolet & GMC Reproduction Parts


Filling Station


Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758
Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758
Likes: 64
Starting fluid contains diethyl ether. It is extremely flammable and can cause internal engine damage (like broken pistons) if too much is used. If a long delay it is also possible to accumulate unburned fuel and starting fluid in the oil pan and/or under the valve covers. I saw the aftermath of such an incident many years ago when the engine finally started it blew the oil pan and valve covers clean off the block and heads. Actually was not clean as oil was everywhere and the mechanic could not hear for several minutes.

I don't use starting fluid but instead an aerosol carburetor cleaner. It works well and does not have as much potential for damage.


How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Almost every time I used starting fluid it fouled the plugs! I don't use that stuff any longer.

laugh wink beer2


The Mangy Old Mutt

"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 298
Backyard Mechanic
Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 298
Aerosol carb cleaner, but don't get it on paint.

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 765
ChatMaster - 750
Offline
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 765
I use WD-40 for starting fluid. Any that would not burn off will act as a lubricant. I learned this trick many years ago. I have used it on Lawn mowers and Cars with not problems.

I too have heard of a case like Chipper mentioned. Turned out the guy used 4 cans of starter fluid before he had the car towed to a mechanic. He did not mention to the mechanic what his attemts to start the car involved. WOW, did the mechanic get a surprise. Oil plan blew off and sent oil everywhere.


Member 45+ years, been around since the beginning !
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 188
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 188
i have only used starting fluid 2 times then very little.have no trouble with car unless i let it set about 2 or 3 weeks.just through 1 would help my battery. thanks for the reply.will just try to keep battery build up


smitty
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758
Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758
Likes: 64
Ditto on the paint removing capability of carb cleaner unless you use a catalyst to cross link and cure it.


How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 167
Shade Tree Mechanic
Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 167
I just bought a 1987 Chevy pickuop with a V6 in it that had not been started for 2 years and sitting outside all that time.
I put a new battery in it and after a few cranks, on a 17 degree day, it started right up!!!
I never use ether...


Any man that thinks he is too old to learn something new probably always was

Link Copied to Clipboard
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5