Ether can be devistating to a diesel engine, even though some people have gotten away with using it. I myself will NOT try it with a diesel. Always better to be safe than sorry.

Check grounds well..also I am asking this becasue I did not notice if it was mentioned...were you using the same battery on both cars you compared to each other as far as cranking speed?

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Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche