Case 1480 question

[jkbrand]

I recently acquired this skid loader, but I live in Colorado where it's not unusual for it to drop into single digits. The first morning I tried to start it the temperature was 20 degrees. I had enough trouble getting it to fire that I decided this mode wasn't going to work for me. The owner's manual (p.41) describes the "Ether Start Aid." That seems like an ideal solution (or a block heater?) for my cold-weather starts, but I'm curious to know whether this was an option or standard equipment?? My skid's back door contains a clamping mechanism that looks like it accommodates the ether bottle, but there was no wiring or plumbing, nor any cab button to dispense a shot of ether, so I'm assuming it was never installed. The maintenance guide shows lots of parts for an "ether kit" (my terminology), so I'm wondering if anyone has installed one of these for himself. Does anyone who has an "Ether Start Aid" installed let me know well you think it works and and what temps? Can anyone provide advantages of a block heater over the Ether Start Aid?? TIA, Jeff

 

[Gearclash]

On the long run the block heater will be better for your engine, but requires planning ahead. I dislike factory ether systems as they usually shoot too much ether right in the intake manifold. Tends to really rattle the engine. I prefer to manually spray ether in the inlet of the air filter.

 

[antfarmer2]

On the long run the block heater will be better for your engine, but requires planning ahead. I dislike factory ether systems as they usually shoot too much ether right in the intake manifold. Tends to really rattle the engine. I prefer to manually spray ether in the inlet of the air filter.

Best not to use ether at all if you need something better to use wd40 much easyer on your engin

 

[Phil314]

Best not to use ether at all if you need something better to use wd40 much easyer on your engin

I've got an 1845c with a block heater and ether start. It's a little cranky in cold MN weather. I very rarely use the ether start. It's much easier on the engine to warm it up and get it started using the block heater. Spraying explosive ether into a cold engine is harder on the engine. So if you have access to electricity, then the block heater is the way to go. If you can put it inside, even better. Ether is for when I'm a ******* and forget to put it back in the garage.