Using starting fluid (ether) in an MB diesel? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ewmROVER · #16 05-03-2007, 07:40 PM

FWIW, I had a VERY VERY VERY experienced professional mercedes tech foreman specifically tell me to use ether to aid in the bleeding and starting of my 616 motor when it came time to start in its new home.

JackG · #17 05-03-2007, 07:43 PM

only good thing ether is good for is blowing up truck tires

............if you don't know, don't ask

Hatterasguy · #18 05-03-2007, 07:45 PM

I have used it in 617's without issue. Just disconnect the glow plugs and don't go nuts with it.

You could probably damage something, I use it as a last resort.

gsxr · #19 05-03-2007, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewmROVER

FWIW, I had a VERY VERY VERY experienced professional mercedes tech foreman specifically tell me to use ether to aid in the bleeding and starting of my 616 motor when it came time to start in its new home.

That really surprises me. I've heard of diesel shops where if a tech is caught with ether in his toolbox, it's almost grounds for getting fired. I just looked at the label on my can of Pyroil starting fluid (I have it on the shelf for gas engines) and the fine print says "Use in some glow-plug equipped diesels can result in engine damage or bodily harm".

I forgot to say that the aforementioned "mechanic", while ranting, said something about using a 'mild' form of ether, which I've never heard of. It does make me wonder what he uses though.

seafood54 · #20 05-03-2007, 08:10 PM

Confessing my ignorence.. what is the difference between direct and indirect injection?. If anyone has the time and inclination. Thanks.. Frank

vstech · #21 05-03-2007, 10:16 PM

exactly what it sounds like.
direct sprays the fuel into the combustion chamber with the piston.
Indirect sprays the fuel into an atomization chamber that is adjacent to the combustion chamber.
John

gsxr · #22 05-04-2007, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

exactly what it sounds like. direct sprays the fuel into the combustion chamber with the piston. Indirect sprays the fuel into an atomization chamber that is adjacent to the combustion chamber.

That is correct. To use Mercedes terms, indirect injection squirts the fuel into a precombustion chamber, also called a 'prechamber'. Only the tip of this prechamber protrudes into the actual combustion chamber. This is what allows the Mercedes diesel to be so much quieter compared to, say, a Dodge/Cummins diesel engine. It also allows the high-RPM capability. Most direct-injection truck engines redline in the low 3k range, while MB and VW can spin well past 5k.

Biglex · #23 05-04-2007, 02:03 AM

I feel sorry for my poor ford diesel. That thing gets a shot every day it is in use.

lkchris · #24 05-04-2007, 09:16 AM

As you should.

gsxr · #25 05-07-2007, 07:47 PM

I still can't locate anything in print about ether on the MB.

Update on the original problem with my dad's car... the Euro car shop apparently had a clue, said the glow & IP functions were fine, disconnected the exhaust pipe, and it fired right up. Apparently the oxidation cat was plugged solid if it wouldn't even let the car start - yikes. They thought it was some weird CA model, lol. Not sure on a fix yet... a new cat is $800... but the decal under the hood clearly states "NON CATALYST"... hmmm...

Waiting for a phone call back tomorrow with more info.

jap · #26 05-07-2007, 08:03 PM

does an 81 have an oxidation cat? where?

My diesel never starts without a 10th of a second worth of starter fluid (unless it is already warmed up for a couple minutes). I usually crank for a second to get the fluids moving, then go out and spray then it starts right up. don't know what the issue is. Probably has lacked general maintenance before i owned it -- ie valve adjustments, compression low. Haven't check these yet.

Oh, forgot to mention that I have to tap the accelerator just ever so slightly.

stcbenz83 · #27 05-07-2007, 08:21 PM

A good friend of mine is a diesel mechanic. he has worked on all types of diesel for neally 15 years. He stated that the whole "ether no-no" was cause when GM produced those diesel engines with a gasser lower end. The end result of ether on those engines would end up destroying them. Otherwise he states it is ok to use ether on diesel. However, he stated to use very very little.

jap · #28 05-07-2007, 08:26 PM

Definetely use very little. The sounds of the engine when i used too much are not pleasant. I'm more careful now

Magoo · #29 05-07-2007, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

I have used it in 617's without issue. Just disconnect the glow plugs and don't go nuts with it.

You could probably damage something, I use it as a last resort.

Same here, when it was really cold out and my battery was low. I had to get the car moved and sprayed some into the air cleaner intake- she fired right up then. No issues 2000 miles later...
I think as someone else mentioned, use sparingly, and into the air cleaner- not directly into the cylinder, you're probably OK but it's still risky.

aersloat · #30 05-08-2007, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxr

I still can't locate anything in print about ether on the MB.
...
the decal under the hood clearly states "NON CATALYST"

I wonder if Dr. Booth has documentation on the ether question.

I thought that a cat was added as part of the trap recall campaign. Is that incorrect?