Posted by Alan Bowes on February 18, 1999 at 11:21:03:
In Reply to: Thwnks All!!! posted by Peter Hewko on February 16, 1999 at 17:58:59:
Just a hint when using starting fluid:
The starting fluid (usually ether-based) evaporates so rapidly that it tends to cool the spark plug considerably below ambient temperature. The ground strap and center electrode on the plug tend to cool down faster than any other area of the combustion chamber because of their lower thermal mass. The heat created by compressing the fuel-air mixture warms the mixture, and then the water vapor in the mixture condenses on the super-cooled plug. Every time you spray in starting fluid and it doesn't fire up, another layer of water/ice builds up on the plug until it shorts out. Starting fluid can cause ice on the plugs even at above-freezing temperatures, and in warmer conditions it can still contribute to liquid water condensing on the plugs.
So if an engine doesn't fire up immediately after using starting fluid, there is a good chance of water/ice on the plugs.
In very cold climates, your best friend is a good high-voltage/current spark. A battery warmer is often a good investment as well as a block heater.
Alan