Why does starting fluid work

Starting fluid can help stubborn engine get started, but follow the directions on the container and use it cautiously. A little bit should be enough, and anything more may signal another problem.

Contact BuyGreatOil. Is Starting Fluid Good or Bad? Our Products. Motor Oils. Transmission Fluids. Filtration Products.

Fuel Additives. Gear Lubes. Other Products. Compressor Oils. This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry.

There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 91, times. Starting fluid is a liquid that helps internal combustion engines operate properly. Starting fluid is often used to start cars the engines of which have been poorly maintained, or for starting older cars when the temperature falls below freezing. Starting fluid is a liquid that can help your engine work properly.

This typically looks like a metal pipe and is usually found somewhere around the engine. Afterwards, try starting your car. For tips from our Auto co-author on how to identify a good brand of starter fluid, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. Store starting fluid safely. Starting fluid is highly flammable and combustible. Store and handle them safely. However, if you use too much starting fluid it can cause damage to the engine so, be careful.

Starter fluid is also a great tool to help you diagnose the problem when your mower does not start. So instead of cranking and pumping I poured a little acetone in each of the barrels.

Hit the starter and Boom! I know acetone is one of the things people talk about as a fuel additive but it does little good to put it in the tank because it evaporates so fast. Not generally, no. Butane is a GAS at room temperature, so has to be under pressure to become liquid even cheap lighters can do this, but contained in the plastic holder part.

Lighter fluid is made up of heavier carbon compounds, including pentane and hexane, which are liquid at room temperature. Starting fluid is sprayed into the engine intake near the air filter, or into the carburetor bore or a spark plug hole of an engine to get added fuel to the combustion cylinder quickly. Spray a small amount of starting fluid into the air intake. Spray the starting fluid for about two seconds, then try to turn the engine over. Plus, it has no lubricating properties, so it can hasten piston wear.

With minimal work, you can find all sorts of cautionary tales on the Internet of people blowing up engines after using too much starting fluid. For fast, easy starting, spray Pyroil Starting Fluid into the air intake for seconds no more than 3 seconds , and then start the engine.