WD-40 Question

[reaperman]

I've read in various posts on the use of wd-40 for making the engine "pop". Now is wd-40 preferred over starting fluid to start a stubborn engine? Or instead used for diagnosis on a troubled engine to see if it will fire for diagnosis purposes? Just curious.

 

[Bobcatdan]

Most spray pentrating oils will act as starting fluid, just seems eveybody has WD 40 laying around. Starting fluid should never be used on engines with glow plugs or espeically an intake heater. Generally speaking, I only use starting fluid to get something I already know the engine is junk running. Diesel don't start for one of two reasons, low compression or no fuel. You can figure out which one with out using starter fluid. The same can of ether has lasted me 7 years.

 

[Tazza]

Most spray pentrating oils will act as starting fluid, just seems eveybody has WD 40 laying around. Starting fluid should never be used on engines with glow plugs or espeically an intake heater. Generally speaking, I only use starting fluid to get something I already know the engine is junk running. Diesel don't start for one of two reasons, low compression or no fuel. You can figure out which one with out using starter fluid. The same can of ether has lasted me 7 years.

I try to avoid starting fluid too, i had a machine that refused to pop for me on diesel (turns out it was disabled by someone wanting it at auction), i gave it a quick shot of starting fluid, it made a horrid sound, one you don't want to hear often. This was before i knew WD40 would work, i have used it other times with success. It's meant to be less harsh on the engine, ether sounds like someone hit the piston with a hammer.

 

[Mikefromcny]

I try to avoid starting fluid too, i had a machine that refused to pop for me on diesel (turns out it was disabled by someone wanting it at auction), i gave it a quick shot of starting fluid, it made a horrid sound, one you don't want to hear often. This was before i knew WD40 would work, i have used it other times with success. It's meant to be less harsh on the engine, ether sounds like someone hit the piston with a hammer.

Its probably one of the few good uses for wd 40 LOL