PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

fj bertrand · #7 01-21-2004, 10:28 PM

Thanks to dmorrison. neat links.

I've used "smelling salts" (ether) in cat industrial, IH, GM and MB diesels.

The key is--like anything else--knowledge. For my 84 300TD,
I was certainly desperate. Depleted battery, etc. You let the glow plugs go OUT wait about 1 minute, hit the air intake with
1.5 seconds worth of ether (count 1001, 1002) and then start.
the thing will rattle like death, but if you are desperate, it will work and no lasting harm. If the engine isn't running smooth, you can spray ether about 4" away from the air intake to smooth the engine out. Never hurt it.

But if you never used it, I would shy away from newbies employing this stuff. In the hands of the amatuer, it WILL take out your engine as others have reported in this thread.

If you overspray, you can damage the engine, no doubt about it.

Ether's a good assist. I've used it with lawn mowers, rebuilt engines, weed wackers, etc.

Of course Ether is contra indicated for cleaning grease and oil off of parts too. Try it. works good for everything except brakes.