Can Propane Cylinders replace the Ether Cylinders for cold start?

goldneagle · May 13, 2011

My truck has the Ether Cold Start Kit installed to the new engine. They never installed the actual cylinder. i was shopping around for the cylinder, but have not found a source. Looking at the Propane and MAPP gas cylinders and they seem to look the same as the ether cylinder.

I started to wonder if a Propane cylinder could be used to help start in cold weather. Would the cylinders fit the existing ether socket?

islandguydon · May 13, 2011

Propane will work better in fact because it is not as volatile and has a tendency to start on -0 days better than either. CAUTION"""Propane has more pressure and requires a quality regulator for lower pressure.

porkysplace · May 13, 2011

napa can get the correct cylinder there are a few threads with part numbers listed . here in the north just about every truck stop has them.

steelandcanvas · May 13, 2011

Found this, it might help you get what you need.
KBi - Kold Ban International - Ether System and Capacitors

Stalwart · May 13, 2011

I have one on mine but it is just for looks.

jdoktor83 · May 13, 2011

I just picked up 4 Ether cans at my parts store. There are made by Cold Start. The parts guy said they retailed for $49 each, but let me have them all for $49 because they had been there for a long time.I think that was a good deal

greg2560 · May 13, 2011

If you need that big of a can of start a bomb. You might what to do some work on your motor. I hate useing start a bomb. Not good for the motor. Mabe a block heater? :grd:

Josh · May 13, 2011

A rag with some gasoline over the mushroom works **** good for starting the truck also.

goldneagle · May 13, 2011

Do the MV systems use the 7/8" or 1" thread cylinders? Anyone use the KBI brand? Do they fit MVs?

motomacguyver · May 13, 2011

"Quick start" brand, From the factory, is the most cost effective I have found, and I searched A LOT. 18.50 per canister, HOWEVER there is a HAZMAT fee for any shipment. 25$ whether you order one or 25.

Propane/MAPP is bad because the gas is heavier than air and can settle to the bottom of your crankcase and could cause an explosion. (It has happened)

greg2560 · May 13, 2011

Josh said:
A rag with some gasoline over the mushroom works **** good for starting the truck also.

alot better than start a bomb

datadawg · Dec 7, 2016

motomacguyver said:
"Quick start" brand, From the factory, is the most cost effective I have found, and I searched A LOT. 18.50 per canister, HOWEVER there is a HAZMAT fee for any shipment. 25$ whether you order one or 25.

Propane/MAPP is bad because the gas is heavier than air and can settle to the bottom of your crankcase and could cause an explosion. (It has happened)

I just searched for an ether start can and they seem to be quite expensive, $49 per can. Does the Quick Start brand have retail distribution anywhere? I may want to start the truck once or twice in the winter, so heater is not practical or cost effective.

doghead · Dec 7, 2016

Any truck shop, farm shop, or other construction type equipment dealer should have them.

Gunzy · Dec 7, 2016

I don't think propane will work as starting fluid because when it is compressed it turns back to a liquid state instead of combusting, that is why propane and natural gas diesels have had ignition systems installed. MAPP I have no idea about.

DrillerSurplus · Dec 7, 2016

Gunzy said:
I don't think propane will work as starting fluid because when it is compressed it turns back to a liquid state instead of combusting, that is why propane and natural gas diesels have had ignition systems installed. MAPP I have no idea about.

Gunzy is correct that propane won't work. To run on either natural gas or propane, a diesel engine needs either a spark ignition or a small amount of diesel injected to ignite the propane/natural gas.

http://www.alternatefuel.com/PropaneWithDieselFuel.pdf
Propane (LPG) by itself will NOT self ignite in a compression ignition Diesel Engine.

saddamsnightmare · Dec 8, 2016

December 8th, 2016.

Which is why I always loved my flame heater starter unit, no extra parts, no extra cost, worked every time!

rustystud · Dec 9, 2016

saddamsnightmare said:
December 8th, 2016.

Which is why I always loved my flame heater starter unit, no extra parts, no extra cost, worked every time!

The problem with the "Flame Heater Starter" units is the constant maintenance they need. They work great and get the job done, but since they need constant maintenance most people don't do it and they end up with problems.

Can Propane Cylinders replace the Ether Cylinders for cold start?

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goldneagle

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