WILL CONSISTENT USE ETHER DO DAMAGE

Smoker

Member
Will consistent use of ether damage a 4 cly diesel engine? I am concerned about piston & ring damage. I know the engine must be in poor condition to be having to use ether in warm weather. It is an old tractor and not worth the cost of an OH. It runs good after it starts. I wonder how long it will last using ether every start.
 
I have the same issues with a Ford 5000. I spoke to a local diesel service shop and they said no. They said any parts damaged by ether use would most likely be replaced in a major OH anyway, such as pistons, sleeves, etc.
 
Its already wore out or it should start without ether in warm weather so keep on using it what you got to loose!!
 
Do I dare say it is a 1960 Fordson Major I know this is a John Deere site. I can purchase it cheap, but could be expensive in the long run. But if I could get a year out of it, I would be happy. It runs OK after it starts.
 
It's one of those things guys use for years and get away with it if there lucky.
If your motors that bad it needs the re build. The either will probably be ok at this point as long as it doesn't break the crank/ a piston, or cause it to stick a rod out the side one day.
I would say can you find a replacement tractor for the cost of fixing yours right now. Many guys can't and are stuck when the one they have blows up! if you can run it till it blows then go shopping for a better cost effective replacement, you don't have a problem!.
Regards Robert
 
Cranking speed is EVERYTHING with a diesel, get it cranking good with white smoke--(fuel) before you give it either. A lot of machines have electric either injection on them from the factory, so it can't be that bad.
 
I would never buy something with these issues, go get a better tractor. It is a different issue if you already have it.
 
Hi
welcome to my world, Fordsons are my choice of tractor, heck those green boys sure can shoot good, that round whistled right past my ear L.O.L.
Maybe you should come up to the Fordson board before there's a hunting accident round here!.
Regards Robert
 
If you know how to use ether it won't hurt a thing. Go overboard and you're in a world of hurt. Most everyone will tell you either is terrible but look at all those big old Deere's that came with it plumbed in from the factory.
 

Most ether users use too much ether at one time. It seems they're of the mindset if a little ether is good a lot more is better which usually breaks top piston rings & cracks pistons.. I only use ether as a "last resort" to get engine running.
 
As previously stated .cranking rpm is everything when starting a diesel. If the tractor had the proper batteries, HD battery cables that were properly connected and a stout starter. The starting problems would disappear except for this caused by ether damage.
 
As you said. There are operators that can't tell the difference between a metered 1 second snort of ether though the factory installed system while cranking. Vs.loading the intake with ether then cranking the engine.
 
As long as you don't use Deere ether you should be safe. Just start cranking before you squirt.
 

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