Will Running an Engine on 100% Starting Fluid Cause Damage? Let's find out!

[@mbsnyderc]

The one thing I'm learning from these (run an engine on) videos is that a Flathead Briggs and Stratton will run on damn near anything that will burn.

[@ProjectFarm]

You're right. They're really impressive engines.

[@redneckasmr-xd1gg]

they can there is evin a video of some one hitting one with NOS the mower won lol

[@MrErikw26]

And you can put them through all kinds of hell, and theyll keep running

[@alexkluemper6880]

They thrive on abuse and neglect

[@andybub45]

They were built right back then, the new ones suck

[@mattbauckman9907]

I mowed my lawn once using Coleman lantern fuel in the tank. Ran like a champ.

[@rogermarshall8991]

Known as white gas. It's just refined and filtered heavier. Octain is between 98-100. Aviation gas is pretty much the same thing but leaded102 octain.

[@bladerunner6354]

@@rogermarshall8991 ahhh white gas I remember those days. power, mileage .37

[@bladerunner6354]

Per gallon. Then emissions. Back then tax on gas was too add lead. Then tax after too add lead. Still doesnt make any sense. Govt. Red tape

[@carterbowe9964]

That's awesome

[@rexclay2231]

it's what use to call white gas

[@AiOinc1]

2:29 that awkward moment when you almost have to use starting fluid to start an engine running on a tank full of starting fluid

[@ProjectFarm]

LOL! Thanks for commenting!

[@integrationofmanandmachine4714]

@@ProjectFarm lol

[@bryangoldschmidt1576]

Hahaha

[@droppoint495]

Heh heh

[@rclement11]

Lmfaoo

[@averyalexander2303]

I think you should try running an engine on straight ether. Modern starting fluid contains oil and very little ether, so maybe the myth came from when starting fluid was straight ether and did not contain oil. BTW I love this channel! Please never stop making these videos!

[@thefordmaniac]

A DIY Computer Guy you are 100 percent correct and I agree with you on this and if he can get ahold of the old formulation of starting fluid I would love to see this test.

[@ProjectFarm]

A DIY Computer Guy, You bring up an excellent point regarding ether content. Also, thank you very much for the positive comment!

[@802Garage]

Oh that makes a lot of sense. Maybe the new formulations are much better than old.

[@averyalexander2303]

The old formulation of starting fluid was 100% ether, so just get 100% ether and run the engine on it.

[@ProjectFarm]

I'll see if I can find some. Thanks again!

[@Split10uk]

This channel is myth busters, but you deal with everyday stuff we all use. Good Job! Subscribed

[@dnh3005]

Deadzio dude shut mouth close

[@dougtaylor2803]

I wonder if his neighbours are noticing their lawnmowers all disappearing?? :)

[@ProjectFarm]

LOL! Thanks for commenting!

[@joshuashea7613]

Thats awesome humor! Lol oh man yur killin me!

[@jc06gsxr600]

He returns them after hes done lol

[@kingofrandom9504]

@@jc06gsxr600 why does my mower smell like starting fluid?

[@vincenttelfer4206]

I'm sure the neighbors smelled the starting fluid

[@lawrencegenereux8567]

Note to self: Never buy a used lawnmower from this guy.

[@ProjectFarm]

LOL! Great advice! I use them up.

[@znrctrnn]

That stuff smells good.

[@itsok5079]

Why it's been decarbind.and new head gasket. Lol

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

Lawrence Genereux 😂😂

[@korndawggy1801]

He takes them apart and cleans them all the time. Just gotta get one that doesn't have a rod sticking through the block. 😀

[@nikuramon]

I haven't commented on your other videos, and while it does hurt a bit to see engines being damaged I find your videos very educational, especially being able to see the internals and what is actually happening. Please keep making videos.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much for commenting on this video and thanks for the positive feedback! I'm learning a lot from these videos as well and having a lot of fun. Thanks again!

[@johnlbales2773]

nikuramon Agree! He's really thought up some humdinger ideas so far!

[@Papperlapappmaul]

You could try blowing pure oxygen into the carb while the engine is running on regular fuel.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for this recommendation!

[@Papperlapappmaul]

My pleasure! I just found your channel recently and I'm really liking it so far. Keep up the good work and be safe, especially with the oxygen.

[@robertmencl9169]

I would like to see oxygen enrichment for cold diesel starts.

[@dougsavery5442]

Throw some acetalyne in the mix and see if you can send the head out the garage

[@802Garage]

Now this I'm excited for! I always avoid starting fluid for fear of damage. I want to see these results.

[@ProjectFarm]

802 Garage, Thanks again for commenting!

[@ericvickery6357]

rule #1 everything in moderation (lil dab will do ya) #2 starting fluid doesn't make a either baby. you only bring it out when its really cold or there is already a issue that is causing it not to crank in the first place

[@Lincolnator721]

with a dash of marvel mystery oil every gas fill-up and oil change, i never needed to use starting fluid! had no use for the starting fluid anymore :)

[@buckbundy8642]

802 Garage I use starting fluid on anything that is giving me a bit of hassle. I've never damaged anything.

[@802Garage]

Everyone wanted me to use starting fluid on my Toyota MR2 project car, but I just diagnosed the issue instead and found out the fuel pump wasn't working. To me there just wasn't a point when all it was going to do is mask a real issue. Plus I was worried about damaging the engine. Now I'm less worried about damaging anything at least. :)

[@mrfordman9999]

Rumor has it that in a pinch, egg whites or egg yolks in a leaking radiator can "get ya home" or "get ya off the mountain". The theory is simple. Crack some eggs, separate the yolks (look up water bottle yolk separation kinda cool), put the egg whites in the radiator and the whites will find the holes via pressure and then seal them up! I would love to see what you could come up with.

[@ProjectFarm]

Mason, Thank you for this video idea!

[@802Garage]

My nephew put pepper into a radiator that was leaking like crazy, literally draining onto the ground. Drove it for well over a year after that without issue. Insane.

[@AndyYankee17]

I think Mythbusters already tried that ("confirmed").

[@mrfordman9999]

I have heard of the black pepper I didn't know that top gear tested this. I just wanted Project Farm to do it because of the level of accuracy he takes with his projects. A scientific and methodical approach so to speak.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I always just took the cap loose and that slowed it down enough to limp in.

[@mjmcomputers]

Nice test, I like that you put it in the tank. I've seen a 6.5 diesel that bent a pushrod and broke a piston from starting fluid.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much for the positive comment. Using starting fluid in a diesel seems to be risky!

[@Ryan-uz2cr]

Mix a whole bunch of fuel additives together and run them through an engine to see what will happen. cool vid love the channel don't ever stop posting :-)

[@ProjectFarm]

Ryan, This seems like a neat experiment--thank you!

[@southjerseysound7340]

I did just that in order to get my car into a gas station when I ran out of gas.....lol.It ran but if you gave it too much gas it would knock like crazy.

[@jusb1066]

if you mix all the fuel additives that exist together, the engine gets so clean it turns invisible!

[@MrTheHillfolk]

SouthJerseySound Same but different, I had/have a diesel with water injection. I use washer fluid for a nice kick, but you need to let off the button in between shifts or the revs rise real fast by itself.... like a runaway. Anyways I pushed it one day and was about a mile from the gas station and it was sputtering.... I was able to rapidly toggle the water injection and hold a controlled runaway all the way to the gas station for fuel. It was a little bit angry on the restart because I almost lost the prime. It cranked about 10sec before it lit off but it went 😬 Good times.

[@bairfamilyfarm1336]

Additives contain mostly kerosene according to a lot of msds I've looked up. It'll probably be similar to running an engine on kerosene.

[@shaunroberts6025]

how about using wd40 as engine oil? i know it evaporates quickly but in the world of what ifs, wondering how long it can run.

[@ProjectFarm]

Shaun, Thank you for this recommendation!

[@logik316]

My guess is that since WD-40 is just a very thin mineral oil, it should provide enough lubrication so long as the engine is run only at idle speed with no load on it. At high rpms, especially with a load, it will likely break down and cause metal to metal contact. It will also likely seep past the rings and burn up quickly.

[@haydenc2742]

WD-40 isn't a lubricant...it's actually a water displacement, and solvent It' might run...but I don't think it will do a full 30 min...plus make sure before you do Project Farm...to know the flash point for WD-40

[@haydenc2742]

correct..I was mistaken for sure!!! www.foodreference.com/html/facts-wd40-fish-oil.html

[@shaunroberts6025]

and now it gets interesting... talking about flash points and volatility. oooohhhhh... scared! lol

[@Autotechdad8291]

I've been told that starting fluid in a diesel with glow plugs can cause serious damage because the glow plug could ignite it prematurely.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great information! Thank you

[@illinoisprospector145]

Burns too hot for a diesel. It will detonate (premature ignition) and lift a head or literally melt through the piston head. Either way... dont use it on a diesel. Block heater is a diesels best friend.

[@TheGamingInferno1]

Using starting fluid on anything with glow plugs is going to cause damage. It will cause detonation and that could blow out your piston rings.

[@bertgrau9246]

@@illinoisprospector145 I once pull started a truck with a 350 horsepower Cummins in 12 degree weather and had been sitting over a weekend, we pulled it nearly 100 yards with the engine turning 1500 RPM before it started. Was interesting to see how long it would take to start.

[@korndawggy1801]

@@illinoisprospector145 the Kat in line heaters on my Dads Ford 2000 diesel keep burning up. Seems like they're the only brand out there too. Hes gone through like 3 or 4 in a year.

[@robertheinkel6225]

I was watching a tractor pull years ago, where a JD 4010 stock class, was losing power during the pull. I could see the operator press and hold the ether button. The engine ran better for a couple of seconds, then the head exited thru the hood and went up about ten feet. #2. We had someone try to start a combine engine with ether but it didn't start. It was sitting outside until spring. When we went to start it, the engine would not rotate. The ether cleaned the lube off the cylinder walls, and the Pistons rusted solid to the cylinders.

[@jamesshock1829]

I've repaired many diesel engines that people ran too much starting fluid trying to start it cold usually blowing the head gasket sometimes blowing pasta cylinder and burning at Pistons

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the feedback

[@ronniefitzgerald7725]

James Shock w/D 40 works

[@Joseph-C]

Or heat from a heat gun into the intake works too

[@shawnbardin7850]

wd 40 Silicone spray is better for cold starting a diesel

[@SARJENT.]

I've seen diesel pistons with cracks in them from using starting fluid during cold starts.

[@gregkimura5906]

Very impressive. I remember when I was a kid in Chicago, we were told to be careful using too much starter fluid in an engine. Looks like an urban legend! Thanks for the test!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@markcooper9033]

You sir are absolute gold!! Your content contribution to the KZbin world is...immeasurable!!👍👍👍😎

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks 👍

[@jason-ge5nr]

Seems like it done cleaned yer cylinder bore. will you be brave enough to run an engine on acetylene?

[@ProjectFarm]

Jason, thank you for this video suggestion!

[@Koshunae]

Dear lord I can only imagine the smoke and carbon build up.

[@iamdarkyoshi]

Project Farm I believe the mythbusters got an engine to run on straight hydrogen by pumping it into the carb. Maybe an episode on what gasses can be fed into the carb would be fun

[@blahsdhf]

Might want to double up on inline flame arrestors before attempting!

[@EdgarsLS]

try to run it of E85 or 98 gasoline and if you have it try 100 "jet" gasoline

[@Crazystuffyousee]

Great test video..... Also, to answer your statement about diesels and starting fluid... Ether used in a diesel is no different than in a gasoline engine. BUT.....the real problem is that diesel engines have either glow plugs or grid heaters to help with initial combustion which can unintentionally detonate the ether on the intake side of the engine and cause massive damage to the engine. All pre-heating elements must be disabled prior to using ether on a diesel engine.

[@ProjectFarm]

All very valid and excellent points. Thank you for commenting!

[@Kristo99]

can you run an engine only using fuel additives, no gasoline just additives, what will happen?

[@keenansmith6163]

Kartul2 good idea, but I don't think the engine would actually start. I'm interested if any fuel additives actually work

[@ProjectFarm]

This is a great suggestion--thanks!

[@802Garage]

I'd love to see if the engine runs on pure Seafoam or HEAT.

[@Corrosion37]

Not enough combustion to run an engine. When i was a kid i tried seafoam as a kid in the lawnmower and it didnt do anything. so i added fuel bit by bit till it started and it made a huge smoke screen. Dads walks outside and was laughing so hard.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

It won't run off of Sea Foam straight. I pickled a generator with it and it died till I put gasoline back through it and then it smoked for a while. Didn't hurt it though.

[@walkerv8530]

On diesels it will break piston rings if you use to much and its not cranking over good it preignites and cracks rings did a couple over huals with broken rings the crank case reaked of starting fluid

[@walkerv8530]

How does the tractor start now that the compression has been restored

[@ProjectFarm]

Walker, It now starts without ether or the block heater. It is so nice now to be able to start the tractor without any hassle! I'm still amazed that it worked this well! Thanks for commenting!

[@walkerv8530]

Project Farm cool deal i dont rexommend using it every oil change i triied it in one of my old mercedes and found the copper that is suspended in it started to gunk up my cartridge style oil filter

[@marcusmichols1516]

You should not run starting fluid on diesels with glow plugs or grid heaters

[@kevinkalivoda3442]

Marcus Michols , I agree with you. Only way to use starting fluid with intake air heater or glow plugs is to disable them.

[@jasonpatterson8091]

Love your videos. I'm glad to see that nothing bad came of this. Starting fluid (ether) is insanely flammable stuff; I was cringing the entire time it was sprayed on the outside of the engine. With that many fumes in the area, if you'd gotten up to the autoignition temperature of ether (about 300F) it would have caught fire in spectacular fashion.

[@ProjectFarm]

Yes, I've had this happen in another video (Monster Energy), in which the engine backfired through the carburetor and the engine caught on fire. I'm always ready for this have quick access to a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Thanks for commenting!

[@Live_Outdoors]

My grandfather was a big advicate of using kerosene mixed in fuel when an engine was running rough to help clean it out. I would like to see how/if that really works. He would add about 1-2 cups to his mower fuel tank (with regular gas) to clean carbon out.

[@ProjectFarm]

Kris, This is a great suggestion. Maybe this will out perform MMO and Seafoam?...we should test this!

[@Live_Outdoors]

Project Farm awsome, I look forward to seeing the test. I am subscribed so I look forward to seeing it. You have great content.

[@logik316]

Kris Kerosene (the white variety) actually burns cleaner than gasoline, and tends to leave behind a little wet residue on internal parts that helps soak and loosen carbon deposits.

[@edwinbeck456]

Kerosene works great on cold mornings

[@loganthesaint]

I feel like I've been lied to my whole life.

[@ProjectFarm]

Travis, thanks for commenting!

[@johnlieske8908]

Well you have been .

[@xdkaier4337]

Same here dude!

[@PatrickBaptist]

Dude it;s well documented that ether damages some diesels, especially those with glow plugs. Causes busted pistons, injector cups, head gaskets, and piston rings. And yes it's going to dry out the cylinder walls as well. Cool video you made there.

[@ProjectFarm]

Patrick, Thanks for sharing this information on use of starting fluids in diesels and thanks for the positive comment!

[@PatrickBaptist]

Np, I salvage vehicles, half the time when I get a diesel truck to part out, it's life was cut short with ether/starting fluid. I call it "idiot spray", just for your own personal info, IF and i mean IF you really have to start a diesel truck with some spray, pick WD-40 I've heard from several people how much easier it is on them compared to ether. But yeah at 17-18:1 compression ether can destroy a engine in no time, alot of times what I see happen actually is that the glow plugs will pre ignite the ether and bust the air filter housing and pipes going to it and cause the engine to suck in debris as well to finish off the job by ruining the rings. Ether your truck enough and it will get hooked on the ether and not start without it. No heavy equipment like tractors without glow plugs or grid heaters ether isn't nearly as big of a deal, so long as you just use a little, problem is people want to spray spray spray. But if it has glow plugs, the spray will always be a bad idea. But hey I don't want that to stop people LOL, I am always looking to pick up the pieces afterwards so by all means please destroy them so I can make a dollar chopping up the left overs or a rebuild contract hehehe.

[@WildXNatur]

We actually used starting fluid to start the Detroit diesel engines of our M109 self propelled Howiters when I was in the Army National Guard, between 1979 to 2002.

[@sscrystal10]

does starting fluid cause any damage to engines?? Bc they sound "healthier" so to speak

[@Mrwesmrwes]

Hey that's great to see! I've heard the stories of starting fluid ruining engines and I think you did a thorough test.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the positive feedback!

[@mikebavoso26]

Thanks for doing this test. I often wondered about this topic myself. I do use starting fluid, but in limited amounts. I think you're doing a great job on these videos, they are honest, straightforward and no smoke and mirrors...keep it up.the

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much for the positive comment!

[@jeremyatkinson208]

Something i have always been curious about is running an engine on gasoline and providing pure oxygen as the air mixture. I am pretty sure it will overheat, but i would like to see it in action

[@andreixrt9866]

Pure oxygen is highly flammable so it would probably grenade the engine, or make the fuel air mixture extremely lean

[@MrOtis909]

I knew it wouldn't harm the cylinder wall due the lube in the starting fluid. How about trying to run an engine on straight ether?

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for this recommendation.

[@alexmatthews2332]

I dont think the lube does a whole lot, for cold start im sure it does but besides that gasoline doesn't have a lubricant.

[@jeremiahpike6372]

Gasoline is a "refined" lubricant. It's filtered out of oil from under the ground. Diesel has much more lubrication but both are refined oil. Jet fuel kerosene diesel and fuel oil are all the same base they just have a different additive packaged into them.

[@robertheinkel6225]

I have seen just the opposite. We had engine sieze after it failed to start on starter fluid. It was parked for a few months, and the Pistons froze to the cylinders. Combine engines are only run for a couple of months a year.

[@catfud9202]

I agree with Mr Davenport starting fluid these days has lube in it to be used for gas and diesel engines you did not mention if this starting fluid that you used was for gas and diesel engines thank you we enjoy your videos

[@rhubarbpie2027]

It's possible that the oily film you found was upper cylinder lubricant many starting fluid manufacturers advertise being in their product. Another great video, thank you!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the video idea!

[@bigfootandbananaman4746]

Wow I was extremely surprised with these results

[@ProjectFarm]

Bigfoot, I was too! Thanks for commenting!

[@mikec1544]

Love the content!!! Keep it up👍🏼 See how long an engine will run with wd-40 in the crankcase. Or marvel mystery oil. Orrrr seafoam

[@sneaky909]

Seafoam is designed to go into the crankcase along with the rest of the motor oil.. Do you mean only Seafoam?

[@mikec1544]

apachefoxx yes I mean straight wd, mmo, or seafoam

[@donrutter6765]

I have ran mazola oil in my rack and pinions for years.

[@joshhanneman499]

PB'laster

[@joehirst2122]

starter fluid has got me oout of so many difficult start ups, great video

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@nathanberg9574]

Nitro methane rc car fuel

[@ProjectFarm]

Nathan, thank you for this recommendation!

[@UnacceptableViews]

this I would like to see

[@stuffthatgoesfast2259]

Me to

[@markbeiser]

30 years ago or so, I ran a car for a few miles on 25% nitromethane RC aircraft fuel. I ran out of gas leaving the air field, and it was 3 or 4 miles to the nearest gas station. I pulled the fuel line off the fuel pump intake, hooked up a spare piece of tubing to it, and stuck the other end of the tube in the gallon bottle of fuel. I had to restrict the airflow to the carburetor to get it to stay running, but it got me to the gas station. :D

[@ryangoes7194]

I've actually done this before and it surprisingly worked

[@daveb5041]

Its 50% either and 50% heptane (C7H16), the heptane will lower the octane (C8H18) rating but the either will boost it back up so the octane rating might be above 87 which is what lawn mower are designed to run at. It would be interesting to see what is exactly in that can because starting fluid can be alot of different things; some not containing any diethyl either.

[@ProjectFarm]

Dave, Thank you for this explanation!

[@gurpreetsaini5148]

Nicely demonstrarted..really helpfull for me, bcoz today i have started my big volvo truck after running out of diesel, to just crank the engine..thanks

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@Birchyboy3000]

Get an engine with a dirty crankcase and see if adding seafoam to the oil will clean it out. This would be good for seeing if its useful in cars.

[@ProjectFarm]

Birch, Thank you for this suggestion!

[@robertcampbell1772]

Transmission fluid works wonders

[@1985cjjeeper]

@@robertcampbell1772 It's the "mystery" in Marvel Mystery Oil. ATF cured my old Jeep of a lifter knock 30k miles ago. Had to change the oil a few times to get all the sludge out.

[@johndeerejared]

Starting fluid?! I thought that mower started real easy for me when I owned it! LOL! Again, great video! BTW, I have another mower available for you now.

[@ProjectFarm]

Jared, LOL! Yes, you sold me a great little mower. Would it be okay if I arrange to pick up the mower in approximately 10 days? Thanks for commenting!

[@johndeerejared]

That would be fine. Just give us a call and we can work out a time when you're ready.

[@ProjectFarm]

Jared, Sounds great!

[@jonyperformance7958]

Project Farm How it going I have cleaner that I made would be nice see if you can run it on an engine and see .Contact me

[@richardpreston2460]

Hey I just stumbled across your channel today . Im hooked and I'm really enjoying the experiments you do. It's nice to have an unbiased view and backed up results with data and photos . Thanks for taking time and care on your content.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much for the positive comment!

[@darrenbraden6274]

Can you do a cold start on something to see if it gets damaged from high rpms in severely low temperatures:)

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the video idea!

[@TheRevo33]

I have been running my diesel cars on straight injector cleaner multiple times to quickly and very effectively clean the injectors. If you could try and do the same and see if there is any damage caused I will be very interested.

[@ProjectFarm]

Chris, do the diesels ping or knock? Thank you for this video idea!

[@TheRevo33]

Project Farm the engines have always run as if they are running on diesel normally. I have never noticed any negative difference in way they run while on injector cleaner or after, but some have run significantly smoother after the treatment. Mind you I have never driven them while doing this, only having them idling with the occasional reving

[@ProjectFarm]

Chris, Thanks for this additional information.

[@ricksimpson2167]

chris critchley ,, too much fuel injector cleaner,,, will burn the coating off of a oxygen sensor,,, you will lose three miles per gallon,,,.

[@Dazzwidd]

Ummm,,, not sure,,, let me,,, think,,, about it

[@danielreedsnider]

My dad once owned a 1954 Ford sedan. Beautiful car. He worked for a natural gas company for 37 years. He told me that he rarely bought gasoline because he ran the car on something called "drip gas". This is simply the water extracted from a natural gas well. They use a device called a "dryer" to collect the water that naturally comes up from the ground with the gas. This is to prevent it from being sent into the transmission line and preventing combustion. You should definitely try this one out. It would make my dad's day.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the video idea!

[@xxjusxstarxx]

I was stranded at home Depot yesterday, fuel pump went out and beating it didn't work so I went in and picked up a can of starter fluid, a wd40 can to use the sprayer on top as a sacrificial adapter , and a section of ice machine tubing, I run the tube g into the intake and the other end of the tubing into the cab and I melted the end of the hose enough to stretch it over the wd40 nozzle retrofitted onto the starter fluid and Everytime it tried to die and Everytime before I accelerated I told my buddy to spritz it and it ran fine, idle was higher than normal but we made it

[@ProjectFarm]

Impressive! Way to innovate!

[@mr.createandfix5504]

Hi this this Cletus from the dealership down the road that starts with an F, or sometimes doesnt start and an F quickly follows. We realize that out truck break down an awful lot. We'd like to patent and use your design using starter fluid so that our trucks are more dependable.

[@isaiahgrube]

Try running a two stroke engine with just gasoline

[@Gabriel.Gmoney444]

Axillary Gaming nah it would choke out the engine. I accidentally put regular gas in my motorized bike and it choked out.

[@bevskennel]

Yeah some one put straight gas in 2 of our weed wackers (goodbye red rooster)

[@haydenc2742]

Tons of examples of what happens out there for that www.madsens1.com/saw_piston_fail.htm

[@gibbyace5077]

but would the starting fluid work?

[@D4RKBRU73]

IT will just stall. Happened to me a few times when my oil lamp was broken and my oil reservoir went dry. There might be minor damage to the walls however, the more often this happens, the more damage you will get

[@sarahmayer8539]

I don't know anything about engines or oils but these videos are just so entertaining. You make great videos!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@2oswalds]

Thank you so much for this! I could not find anything even 1% as conclusive as this. Ppl act like insane moron on all the forums I looked at. Is it because modern starting fluids have “upper cylinder lubricants”?

[@TheTreyBombay]

How about running a 2 cycle engine on starting fluid? That is what I have heard being damaged most by starting fluid.

[@ProjectFarm]

This seems like a great project idea--thank you!

[@haydenc2742]

2 stroke MUST have lubrication oil in the fuel...either pre-mixed or injected as it's fed in...there is no oilpan to lubricate the crank, piston, or wristpins....it will seize

[@averagejoe5143]

What I have seen as a mechanic for 22 years is too much into a diesel causing a vapor hydraulic lock that blows rings apart and damages the ring grooves and even piston skirts. But also on diesel you have to keep in mind a lot have grid heates at the intake that get glowing red hot to heat intake air for cold start. I say this because 5 of the 13 in frames I have done were either babys and all had same damage. They were all international 6 cylinders. All were done due to age. Ranging from 17k to 21k hours as a garbage truck.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@mrfarmer2177]

What will happen if u run straight up gas in the oil

[@ProjectFarm]

Kevin, thank you for this project idea!

[@TrojanHorse1959]

You will quickly wipe out the crank and rod bearings and you may experience a dangerous and possibly catastrophic crankcase explosion.

[@muddboss5700]

the engine will literally blow up... there have been cases where the carb floods the cylinder and lot of the gas seeps into the crank case.. then while running it at some point it catches the combustion through the rings and literally blows the case apart.. theres a lot of videos showing that type of damage.

[@ProjectFarm]

Robert G, thank you for this information. Seems pretty dangerous.

[@carsonhammond6204]

The first time I rebuilt a carb on a 460 Ford one of the floats sunk and it sat for a good hour before we tried to fire it up. Well when we did all the fuel vapor was still in the engine and it literally blew the valve covers off and blew gasket out of the oil pan

[@ils360]

I would love to see a test done with bestline oil additive!!

[@ProjectFarm]

Yes, I just ordered bestline this week. Thanks for commenting!

[@andrewesther4705]

Does Bestline have zinc dithiophosphate (ZDDP) in it? Because that makes a world of difference in my experience.

[@Krankie_V]

Andrew Esther Zinc dialkyldilithiophosphate*

[@donrutter6765]

+Krankie V Close enough.

[@spencermalone3419]

I've always been a critic of ether (commonly sold as starting fluid). I will admit a four stroke should be less susceptible to damage due to it having a constant supply of oil from the sump. I would not ever EVER be caught dead spraying the stuff into my two strokes (although mighty tempting in the winters lol) how ever as they rely on the fuel mix to lubricate. Ether just washes that oil away and ruins them. I would love to see this test on something like a weed whip to see how it might damage crankshafts and engine bearings. Keep up the vids I love learning from them!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you

[@gab1288]

I believe that starting fluid would cause damage only to a diesel engine, since its self ignition temperature is a lot lower (starting fluid), it might work when the engine is cold but if its hot, i think its gonna ping like crazy and damage the rod/crank bearings. Its engineered to explode at a lower temperature so that it helps cold starts, especially on diesel engines.

[@ProjectFarm]

All great points. Thanks for commenting!

[@blair79bear38]

like I've said, use it for its intended purpose and you're fine.

[@texasdeeslinglead2401]

My understanding is that ether detonates at a much lower pressure than diesel, and far more pressure is generated very fast. diesels use their very high compression to ignite the fuel air mix . ether actually reactes to the compression on the up stroke too early (btdc) causing a very violent predetonation that builds pressure extremely fast , causing pistons to blow out , breaking connecting rods, ect.

[@skytower309]

Starting fluid is dangerous in diesel engines if the glow plugs are on, though I'm unsure if air preheaters are hot enough to ignite it as well. It is said that extended use of starting fluid in any engine will wash oil off of the cylinder walls, and cause scoring. That's why they added lubricant to modern starting fluids. Fyi: My old John Deere backhoe had a starting fluid injector, and a block heater for cold starts. No glow plugs... Thanks for your videos, especially the penetrating fluid ones. It made selecting one much easier!

[@dustin9035]

Run a Diesel on straight starting fluid

[@marxkartredge]

Then give 'er the ol' redline for a good time

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the video idea!

[@MyHMMWVaddiction]

@@marxkartredge MINT 👌

[@ktm42080]

A lot of modern starting fluids incorporate oil of some kind in the mix. At least that's my experience. Diesel engines always seem to get addicted to starting fluids, but that's usually the ones that weren't maintained. Lower compression and clogged injectors.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@math8er1]

Put Nitromethane (Top fuel) in a regular enginw

[@ProjectFarm]

John, thank you for this idea!

[@joelmacdonald6994]

I wonder if you could deliver enough nitro to make any power. If you literally just filled a tank and ran it, the AFR would be so lean! Would love to see this idea tried.

[@joraforever9899]

try running it with 80-100% ethanol, methanol or acetone

[@ProjectFarm]

JoraForever, Thank you for this recommendation!

[@johnlbales2773]

JoraForever Acetone gets my vote. Great idea!

[@blair79bear38]

Alcohol based fuels would likely require require a much richer jet in the carb. gasoline is 14.7:1 while I *think* alcohol requires 8.6:1 . thats pounds of air to pounds of fuel. I think that is what my LM-1 wide band O2 based AFR meter says in the instruction manual. colour me wrong if you like. my memory isn't the greatest.

[@kevinkalivoda3442]

blair79 bear I believe you are correct air/fuel ratio for alcohol based fuel is somewhere between 8:1and 12:1 depending on what kind of alcohol and if it is blended with a lubricant

[@dexterilustrereyes2696]

Your channel is the what makes watching youtube on a cellphone enjoyable!!!!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much!

[@isaacgonzalez9295]

Use wd 40

[@ProjectFarm]

Gierzi 1987, Thank you for this recommendation!

[@raidzor5452]

Yeah you should try that, it is flammable so.... Should work

[@isaacgonzalez9295]

Np

[@Steevo69]

Wd-40 makes a great marine engine coat before or for winterizing engines, and it works as well to start them up on after sitting as it will dissolve it's own varnish.

[@shaunroberts6025]

won't start

[@relaxingcat3422]

Run the engine on nothing but seafoam and fill the crank case with 90% seafoam. that would be great

[@ProjectFarm]

relaxing cat, Thank you very much for the recommendation!

[@idrinkpowersteeringfluid]

I wonder if it would even run

[@lewiemcneely9143]

It won't. I tried it on a running generator and it killed it. But it did start back with some gasoline and a lot of smoke!!!

[@ericneering6357]

It shouldn’t run because if you ever poured seafoam in your carburetor it makes the engine bogged down install I would think that it wouldn’t run very well just take your lawnmower and buy some seafoam and put it in your lawnmower and start it or try to start it there have a canna either there lol just had to comment

[@Jerry-oe1zq]

😊 I read several KZbin where they said it will cause damage,I thought great just installed new carburetor after mower only running few seconds after using starter fluid on old carburetor and using on new carburetor.I feel better now thanks to your video

[@ProjectFarm]

Glad to hear!

[@shawnhasen3741]

Can you do a video using starting fluid as nitrous oxide???!!!! and mabee various other types of aerosols like wd40 and hairspray, probably using the straw from the aerosol seafoam thing

[@ProjectFarm]

Shawn, thank you for this recommendation!

[@MrJabucek]

WD40 doesn't burn so it won't work. Hairspray would probably work, but only because it often uses a flammable propellant gas, such as butane (you can smell it when the can is near empty). Hairspray itself (usually) does contain some flammable ingredients such as alcohol, but I don't think that would be enough to power the engine by itself. So the hairspray would most likely just clog up the engine, as it contains lots of polymers (they hold your hair together), which are pretty lazy when it comes to burning and falling apart.

[@Beta-lc8xl]

Shawn Hasen it would not work as nos because nos is an oxidizer and it makes bigger and more powerful ombustion but what you mentioned is just famable

[@jasongrey5712]

1:06 Weed Eater.. he should try to smoke it

[@ProjectFarm]

LOL! Thanks for commenting!

[@wildefox1478]

Great video, I have an older Craftsman chipper/shredder with a 5 horse Briggs flat head that I acquired non-running and while trying to get it to run on it's own, I ran it for a short time on starting fluid by spraying it into the intake. Thanks to your video I can now rest assured that no damage was done running it on starting fluid, I found that the problem had to do with the fuel pump diaphragm, someone had put the spring on the wrong side lol. But now it's running strong.

[@ProjectFarm]

Glad you were able to repair it and it's running strong. Regards.

[@Justdiespawn]

When will you try an engine with a shot of nitrous?

[@ProjectFarm]

hath, This is a great suggestion. I'll need to acquire some nitrous first. Thanks for commenting!

[@thepyrodude]

Project Farm check out sigma they make small engine nitrous kits which use the nitrous bottles that are used in whipped cream dispensers they are similar to the co2 bottles used for bb and pellet guns......infact the system also doubles as a tire inflator when co2 bottles are used....they sell for around 49.99 to 59.99......i put one on my 1979 Yamaha tt500f I just recent built and man does it add a huge boost of power

[@mattburrell8496]

@@thepyrodude I am super keen to try this. Did you make any adjustments to your fueling? Or just add the nitrous system ?

[@thepyrodude]

@@mattburrell8496 if you want it to survive you will need to install bigger jets in the carb

[@Ether7]

Please try running diesel in a gas lawnmower!!!

[@ProjectFarm]

I really like this suggestion--thank you!

[@Nikel87]

It will run but smoke white. My friend got help from another friend to fill his moped with Diesel. We could trace him by the smoke trail.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I goofed up and filled up a 2-ton delivery truck with half a tank. The white smoke was seen for a LONG ways off!

[@blipco5]

Fantastic idea for a video and well executed. I've always heard that starting fluid will ruin an engine if used too much. Now I know.

[@ProjectFarm]

blipco5, Thank you very much for the positive comment!

[@blipco5]

PF....No, thank you. Bit in case you need to borrow my brand new lawn mower, the answer is NO :-)

[@siegerkoopmans441]

can you try to run a engine on rc nitro fuel. it will get lots of power

[@ProjectFarm]

What % of nitro do you recommend? Is 20% good?

[@siegerkoopmans441]

Project Farm yes 20% is just goodt i run my nitro car olso on 20%

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for this information!

[@siegerkoopmans441]

Project Farm np sir

[@rcwck]

@@ProjectFarm Nah, get some 40-60% nitro rc fuel. I use to run 40% in my boats. How high does your temp gun go? Lol

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

running 10% ethanol in car engines has destroyed millions of car engines.. but hay why not

[@ProjectFarm]

Great point. Thank you!

[@thadeousbella4107]

It sure destroys a lot of chain saw carbs too

[@kingofrandom9504]

Hey*

[@justtinkering6054]

Another very interesting video. Keep up the good work.

[@ProjectFarm]

Danger Berne, Thank you very much for the positive comment!

[@juliansaiz4378]

You should really get sponcered by John deer or a big tractor company to give you small engines to destroy bc I'm pretty sure your running low on lawn mowers 😂

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@redlinezo613]

What I've been told, is that starting fluid will soften/dissolve bearing material in engines. Since most of these small engines don't use an actual bearing like a large engine, that part is probably moot. Starting fluid is usually ether or something similar, and that acts a solvent on oil, so it could affect the cylinder wall lubrication if used too much or in this case, exclusively. Love the videos though man. Keep it up! Keep improving! You are doing a great job.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@daniellange4772]

Great video! I was told Starting Fluid ignited faster and the early ignition could bend the crankshaft in multi-cylinder diesel engines (because of the high compression.) It clearly didn't hurt this engine a bit!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@davidhale8573]

Run one on straight E85(not a blend) or diesel and see what it does. When I worked as a tech at a Chevy dealer years back, we would often have a tech spray carb or brake cleaner or starting fluid in the intake long enough to be idled into the shop. Common when trucks came in for fuel pumps.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for this recommendation!

[@TheWarbird72]

Keep em coming please! Great job

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@robertbuck7186]

I am impressed with the effort to make sure that the engine ran for a good long half our.. that was an acid test. I have a briggs i use it in due to how hard the pull start is in the cold.. Since I have noone to help spray the can while pulling the pull start I put 1 quick shot in the spark plug hole and put the plug and wire back in. I've been doing this in cold weather and warm weather for over 10 years.. Nothing has blown up yet and it doesnt smoke or make engine noises. I would be careful with high performance car or boat motors.. One guy who must have sprayed a hole can in his boat engine blew himself out of a speed boat with a poorly tuned motor or motor with something that eas wrong with it kept sparying and trying to start his boat until he blew himself out of the boat. I heard this story from my sisters boyfriend whose father owned a marina..

[@jimbos1567]

You have a fan. Great job on all the videos I've watched.

[@tylerrusty1122]

The reason they say it's dangerous to run on starting fluid is that when you spray it into the intake, the mixture is usually wrong, running too rich, and it coats the cylinder wall, the same can be said with running rich, I don't really think it's starting fluid itself to be blamed. But great test.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks so much!

[@duckslayer92]

Try same thing with cheap starting fluid with no upper cylinder lubricant not the premium kind; can be found at NAPA I believe. Additionally as a Diesel mechanic I feel that it would run on the premium with cylinder lubricant (Would have to be sprayed in intake, couldn't be run through fuel system because it would likely damage the injectors like water does being a much different viscosity. Also may cause lubricity problems in the system as injector pumps and various moving parts are lubed by fuel.) and not cause any liner damage so long any glow plugs or grid heaters are disabled. Look at any of the big tractor/truck pullers when they start up a performance diesel, sometimes go through multiple cans to get it to build enough heat to run. Another great video!

[@ProjectFarm]

duckslayer92, Thank you very much for commenting! Great information!

[@ColdSmokes]

Spot on here...couldn't have been done better! As far as diesels go...Resist the urge folks...dont to it. You'll bust up pistons in no time.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for commenting and great advice regarding diesels.

[@pbr549]

Which is the best Back Hoe? Case, Ford, or Kumatcho? or BOBCAT? More important is do they use aluminum pistons?. Sleep well.

[@vaath1886]

I love these videos. I never realised how many different products actually work instead of petrol. Keep up the good work 👍

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@micahr6313]

On my last comment I was wrong but still the time you take replying on videos takes real dedication. Thank you for listening.

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome!

[@jamesstewart7957]

I watch your stuff all the time great job with your videos keep them coming

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@dlzott]

I really like how you ask if you've earned a thumbs up, because most people just say smash that like button but the way you phrase it makes me question it every time and my answer is yes every time you asked me have I earned a thumbs up the answer is you certainly have you make a great quality product here on KZbin and keep reminding me to hit that thumbs up otherwise I'll forget!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much!

[@TERRORoftheLORD]

When you are trying to spray a can of something into a gas tank, I would recommend using one of those straws like you get on a break parts cleaner can, You can get more in the tank and hold the can more level allowing you to empty more of the can.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great recommendation.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

very cool experiment! I would never use carb cleaner to try and start an engine, starting fluid is the ONLY way to go

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@joshuashea7613]

Now im not trying to be dumb but watching your videos has become a family tradition. You do such an amazing job! A million thank yous for your hard work and integrity!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much for the positive comment! I'll always keep the videos family friendly.

[@LegendThriller74]

After he put the starting fluid in the gas tank, he was having a hard time getting it started. I was thinking spray some starting fluid in it. Lol. I love this channel. Loving both science and mechanics, this is what I would do if I had the money and space to do it. I would like to see a conventional oil tournament like the synthetic, that would be interesting. Keep up the good work.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the video idea!

[@michaelp3650]

Nice Video..Couple observations... If starting fluid doesn't start a gas engine then there is any ignition problem... If starting fluid doesn't start a diesel engine then it a fuel delivery problem. You can't start a diesel engine without a fuel mixture to ignite. Starting fluid by itself wont ignite without a spark... Damage from starting fluid happens when the engine kicks back when starting. I've also heard that once you start using ether to start your diesel it develops an addiction. This is because the rings are worn and it can't develop enough compression to fire the mixture. The volatility of the starting fuel/diesel mixture will fire one cylinder hard enough to ignite, then you will hear and feel it run rough until it warms up the pistons enough to compensate for the ring and bore wear, then it will smooth right out... Truckers swear if you start using it then you have keep using it. True....but the engine was already worn out.... Anyway.... thats my 2¢ worth... Great Video.....

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks! Thanks for sharing.

[@Waynerking]

Oxy-Acetylene torch balanced, put out flame and blow that gas mixture directly into the carburetor?? But stand back my friend, I was concerned with the starting fluid dripping on the mower that there could be an unwanted fire. Keep up the good work, you have earned many thumbs up!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks, will do!

[@PapaKellogs]

I'm curious, did it do any damage to the thin carburetor diaphragm? Do you think that maybe a follow up soak of the carburetor and sensitive seals would reveal any issues? I don't think anything longer than 24 hours would be needed. It's unlikely that a carburetor would be exposed any longer than that without previous problems. As far as diesels, the problem would be very early detonation. I'm pretty sure that the flashpoint of starting fluid is much lower than that of low sulfur diesel. If you decide to test it in a diesel, do not do it on anything you want to have running after the test. Thanks for all your videos! Love the channel!

[@michaelfarrell6448]

Test suggestion : does running fuel injector cleaner at a higher concentration than recommend make a difference?? I know some products will treat 30 gallons and I'm sure most people just put it in their 15 gal capicty tank . I feel that you do videos that have a actual beneficial results for many people and I am thankful you do what u do

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks so much! Thanks for the video idea.

[@misfortune5007]

Running a diesel o starting fluid or just starting it will most likely will do damage to the engine. Ive seen broken crank shafts and cracked pistons form using starting fluid. If you want to safely start a diesel, my sugestion would be to put 100ml of gas in in 2l plastic bottle and as you crank the engine gently squeeze the bottle to let some vapour get in the intake. I dont recomend sqweezing to much as the result may be damageing to the engine. By leting a little vapour enter the intake , that vapour will give a starting point for diesel to ignite in the cylinder. Giving to much vapour wil make the diesel engine mostly run on gas and experience a violent burn of the fuel and result in cracked pistons or preignition wich will brake the crank.

[@Colorado-Tinkering]

cameradebord Bacau, I had a diesel mechanic talk me through the start up procedure of this rented backhoe that had drawn air in the fuel line due to a leaky seal (same result as running the engine out of diesel). After priming and getting all the air out of the lines he had me start it by having me spray starting fluid into the air intake until the diesel took over. Caused possible harm?

[@misfortune5007]

@@Colorado-Tinkering Uli Bischoff you can get a broken crankshaft in most inline 4 cylinde diesel. You have to look at the leverage point. Lets say that Cylinde1 is at its power stroke, gets half way to bottom 90° and C3 is at compression stroke going up. C3 is at 270° and if at that point the stsrting fluid preignites the crank is forces from two directions sufering torsional force. The crank isn't made to flex in any way but on long cranckshafts like in inline 6 cylinde it does hapen, slightly. My guess is that your engine has not sufered from the starting fluid but it isn't an exact science. You could be fine using starting fluid for a couple of times or more, or you can use it once and have to buy a new engine. Depends on temperature, on compression, on many things. For example, in winter time the -30° air temp gas pressure in the power stroke will be higher because 1. is more de dense and has more oxigen 2. The volune of burnt exhaus gas is higher if you take -30° air to 600°, than if you take it from +30° to 600°

[@metallampman]

These things need to be done.. even if equipment is ruined.. and you do a good job always thumbs up

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks so much!

[@nycredneck]

Awesome test, I love your experiments, keep up the great work.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much for the positive comment!

[@daviddavis8653]

That's a good one and yes, a gasoline engine especially a smaller engine will run ok on starting fluid, test results may be a little different under load where cylinder pressures are higher but would definitely require more testing, now in a diesel it depends on the compression ratio, I've seen older diesels that had either spray setup to help with cold starts and I've seen other diesels (more modern) where it combust so violently that it can bend the piston rods, part of the problem is the starting fluid combust before tdc and tries to push the piston back down while the crank si forcing it up. The second issue is the higher compression ratios which makes an even bigger boom in the cylinder, or it can be a combination of pre ignition and the high compression but it will definitely wreck a GM 6.2 and most likely the 6.5, the Ford Power Strokes, and Dodge Cummins as well...

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@deere3321]

My brother has an Exmark zero turn and he was starting it for a whole mowing season with starting fluid because the choke cable was frozen. When I serviced it for him in the fall, the inner foam filter was completely gone. The only thing left was the perforated metal cylinder. The rest of it went through the engine. After chewing him out a little, I told him to throw the starting fluid away and I replaced the choke cable. BTW, he's not very mechanically inclined.

[@ProjectFarm]

You provided your brother with great advice. Thanks for commenting.

[@harrystahl5076]

Don't even use starting fluid on a two cylinder JD . Maybe get away with a little sniff holding can way back. If head comes off, you learned your lesson.