Do NOT Use Starting Fluid (Ether)

I know it is tempting. You have a job to finish... rain is in the forecast... the tractor sounds like it really wants to start but it just won't fire up... and there is a can of starting fluid sitting on the bench. DON'T DO IT! You will cause immediate engine damage. 

Why does it exist? Starting fluid, also known as ether, definitely has its place in the world. It is very helpful when starting larger diesel engines in the cold. In fact, some bigger diesel engines even have automatic dispensers that shoot starting fluid right into the air cleaner with the push of a button. 

Unfortunately, the Yanmar diesel engine in your Yanmar tractor is just too small. It can not handle the violent combustion caused by the starting fluid. Not even in very small amounts. 

So what happens? Typically a tractor is hard to start after a fuel filter change. Air gets air into the fuel system and, instead of bleeding the system, the operator reaches for the starting fluid. This violent explosion typically knocks a piston ring groove off the piston which causes the ring to no longer seal and causes lower compression.   

The addiction begins. Now the tractor has low compression and is even harder to start and more starting fluid is used. The damage continues to grow and the tractor will no longer start without starting fluid. Eventually there will be so much damage that the tractor will no longer run and will need an overhaul. 

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