Jim Smith makes a good point that passing a whiff
of ether across the intake while the engine is cranking is NOT going to blow it. danger comes from using too much while the engine is NOT cranking. When I was by myself in a cold dark parking lot late at night without a cell phone and no one for a jump, I was a pretty sight: turning the key with one hand while directing a thin stream of ether across the engine to land near the air intake. It worked.

But I think I could have push started the engine too as it is my 84 300td with a front and rear hydraulic transmission pump, would transmit torque from the tranny to the engine like old, old GM Hydra matics that would start with a push.

Around this area we call ether 'smelling salts' for good reason: a little whiff will do you !!

Having said that I had a 81 chevy 350 olds diesel that refused to start the first time in the day without a hit of ether. Did that for 4 years.

We don't have any good local Roosta Master pump people around here.

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71 220D 169K wrecked
83 240D 118K sweet 4 speed
91 350SDL (one of the 60% good engines) 156K
84 300d (loaner to my sister) 189K
79 300SD (partswagen)
86 420SEL partswagen
70 220d (partswagen)
68 280s GASSER!!! under construction now
85 300sd 310K miles winter beater car retired
93 300d 2.5 turbo 168K wife's car
83 280SL euro 5 speed 155K
69 250S newest project 54K