Like any other machine, snowblowers can sometimes be difficult to start. Then comes the process of troubleshooting and applying different fixes to the stubborn snowblower. If you are familiar with starting fluid, you’d know that they assist in starting engines. But the burning question is about whether you can use starting fluid on a snowblower. We look into this in this article.
Starting fluids are safe to use on snowblower and are especially useful in starting snowblowers in cold weather or when they haven’t been used for a long time. The major precaution is to use a starting fluid that’s compatible with your snowblower’s engine.
However, there are a number of things to put into consideration before using a starting fluid on your snowblower. And as we already spelled it out to you, you can’t use just any starting fluid.
Below, you’ll learn about when and when not to use starting fluids on snowblowers, safety considerations, and choosing the right starting fluid for your snowblower.
When to use starting fluid on your snowblower
If your snowblower isn’t starting, you should first do a basic check like checking if the ignition key is inserted properly and in the proper position. You should also check if there is fuel in the tank and if the fuel shut is turned off. If your snowblower still won’t start after carrying all these checks and making the necessary corrections, then it’s time to use starting fluid.
Starting fluid will also come in handy when trying to start a snowblower that hasn’t been used in a long time.
What starting fluid can do
Start an engine in cold temperatures
Starting fluids are very useful when starting engines in cold weather. Some engines aren’t fond of cold weather and may need a helping hand to start when the temperature is bitterly cold. Starting fluid can be that helping hand.
Start an engine that’s been sitting for a long time
Engines that haven’t been used in a long time can be difficult to start. You may already have experience with this. Using a starting fluid may help get a snowblower that hasn’t been used in a long time running.
Avoid wear and tear
We sometimes cause more harm to the components of engines when they are giving us a hard time and not starting. Using a starting fluid can prevent damage to the starter and ignition of your snowblower as you try to get it running.
As a diagnostic tool
Starting fluid can make a stubborn engine start momentarily before quitting. This can serve as an important diagnostic tool as it may help indicate that your engine isn’t getting proper fuel delivery. As a result, you might then decide to check the state of your carburetor and if it needs to be cleaned.
How do I use Starting Fluid?
The easiest place to apply starting fluid in 4-stroke engines is the intake. You first need to remove the air cleaner after which you’ll spray the fluid directly into the intake port. Starting fluids can also be applied directly to the spark plug port of the cylinder. Using a starting fluid in these locations will generate a short burst which can help start your engine.
Caution should be exercised when using starting fluid for 2-stroke engines as it’s not recommended for use in all 2-stroke engines.
When Not to Use Starting Fluid
You should avoid using starting fluids on snowblowers operating on diesel engines that have a preheating system or glow plugs. This is because starting fluids contain several volatile and flammable hydrocarbons like ether. And using spraying fluids in these engines is very dangerous as it could combust.
Starting fluids should also be avoided in some 2-stroke engines as they have no lubricating properties. Using starting fluids in these situations is similar to using ‘straight’ or unmixed gasoline in those 2-stroke engines. It’d be more beneficial to use a carburetor cleaner, as they contain lubricants, in these situations.
Key considerations for starting fluids
Before using a starting fluid on your snowblower, there are a number of factors that you must consider. They are:
Compatibility
The single most important factor you must put into consideration about starting fluids. Using an incompatible starting fluid on your snowblower could damage your engine. Most starting fluids are compatible with gasoline engines so you shouldn’t have much problem if your snowblower runs a gasoline engine. You may end up not only hurting your engine but also yourself if you use starting fluids in diesel engines with glow plugs.
However, if your snowblower has a diesel engine, care must be taken with the use of starting fluids since all diesel engines aren’t compatible with starting fluids. You also need to avoid using starting fluids in diesel engines with glow plugs as starting fluids are highly flammable.
Ether Content
Diethyl ether is the major component of starting fluids. Ether is a very volatile and flammable compound and the higher the percentage of ether in the starting fluid, the easier it will be for the fluid to create a spark. In extreme temperatures(cold or hot), you may have to use a starting fluid with high ether content to create the spark you need to start your engine. Note that volatility also increases as the ether content increases and you should be careful when applying starting fluids with high ether content.
Fuel Additives
Starting fluids contain other additives like hydrocarbons, corrosion-inhibitors that are meant to improve the performance of the fluid. Fluids with corrosion inhibitors are beneficial to metallic parts of your engine and won’t cause rusting. Upper cylinder lubricant is a common additive in starting fluid and is known to lubricate the cylinder thereby preventing corrosion/rusting as well as minimizing wear and tear.
Flooded Engines
Be cautious of using starting fluids on your snowblower if you’ve made several failed attempts to start the engine. This is because there is a risk that your engine is already flooded from your previous attempts. There are brands of starting fluids that are specifically designed to function in these circumstances. Read the instructions on your starting fluid to know the best situation to use it.