Starting fluid on 2cycle outboard motor?

[speedcat2000]

There's this starting fluid (i know, evil word!) that is NON-ETHER-BASED that's been out for a couple years now, called "3-In-One" Advanced Engine Starter & Conditioner. I have not used it yet. It says right on the bottle that it "Provides Essential Lubrication While Starting Engines Quickly". "Revolutionary Non-Ether Forumula Minimizes Engine Wear". "Ideal for starting gas and diesel engines such as lawnmowers, riding mowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, power washers, generators, chainsaws, rototillers, OUTBOARD MOTORS, and other power equipment".

I'd be interested to know what the experts here think about starting using such a fluid, of course only when you can't start with any other method. Answer too about using Seafoam Deep Creep as a starting fluid (listed right on the bottle as a starting fluid).

I understand the reticence to use regular ether as a starting fluid for 2 cycle outboards is that the fluid dries out the cylinders and has no lubrication to protect them. But I've been wondering why that is an issue when all you're doing is STARTING the motor, not running it, on ether. Once the motor starts, it's running on your mixed fuel as normal, correct. WTF is the big deal.

Anyways, let's start the debate... love to hear your comments on this.

Cheers,
Speedcat
Seattle, WA

 

[rancher00]

Re: Starting fluid on 2cycle outboard motor?

what about good old WD-40 as a starting fluid it is oil based and highly flameable just shoot some through a lit lighter flame as a blow tourch

 

[jonesg]

Re: Starting fluid on 2cycle outboard motor?

the need to use is just hides a problem.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starting fluid on 2cycle outboard motor?

the starting fluid burns too hot, it is a very easy way to burn a hole in a piston. be safe and just use premixed fuel.

 

[JB]

Re: Starting fluid on 2cycle outboard motor?

That 3 in 1 is probably safe to use in 2 strokes for troubleshooting purposes.

WD-40 used to use propane as a propellant and was an excellent 2 stroke starter, but about 6 years (or so) ago they replaced the propane with CO-2 and it is far less useful for that purpose.

If you think you may have some of the "old" stuff, check the label. "Extremely flammable" had propane, "flammable" has CO-2.

Jonesy makes a good point: If you need to use a starting fluid you have a trouble. Use it to help you fix it, not pretend it isn't there.

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Starting fluid on 2cycle outboard motor?

the need to use is just hides a problem.

I agree if you have to use something every time you start the engine. I've used the new WD-40 for trouble shooting when I've had a no start problem. It's a lot easier to just poke the tip extension through the carb cover to give them a couple of sprays, than it is to undo 8 screws to remove the cover in order to spray in some premix when you're trying to determine if you have a fuel or electrical problem.

 

[speedcat2000]

Re: Starting fluid on 2cycle outboard motor?

True, and agreed, this starting fluid option would only be for emergencies or when absolutely nothing else starts the motor. And yes, it means there is a fuel problem or some other problem that should be diagnosed and fixed.

I'm wondering what devices you guys use to spray in premixed fuel. I have tried a couple of regular plastic spray bottles, and they both ended up leaking all over the place. One of them stopped working altogether. I just think there must be a better spray device out there... thoughts?

 

[krogie]

Re: Starting fluid on 2cycle outboard motor?

they make spray bottles that are chemical and oil resistant. they are more expensive but they dont leak near as much

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Starting fluid on 2cycle outboard motor?

Tash: Premix is right in front of them. Don't use that as you can run to town for WD-40, ether, or what have you. If it won't start on pre-mix,it won't start. Someone will come up with their magic forula that will work every time, even with no spark, or compression. I wish they would keep their secret formula to them self's. If you want something to light, it's hard to beat gasoline. Firefighter for 32year's, 1 week, and 1 day.

 

[speedcat2000]

Re: Starting fluid on 2cycle outboard motor?

I agree that we don't want flammable stuff all over the place. I have found it hard to use the spray bottles and not get an uncomfortable amount of premixed gas on me or on the boat. Plus you have to syphon gas out, or use some kind of pump, to get it into the spray bottle. To be fair, a store-bought spray can, with a cap on it, is much easier to store and use.

This is all not to mention the health risks of breathing gas all the time. I have posted on another thread about metal versus plastic portable marine gas tanks, as the plastic ones ALWAYS leak for me. Fire and health hazard, not my favorite choice.

Sorry to complain here, but I think we've all had our special moments with too much gas leaking in the boat for whatever reason. It's not fun.