This may be a little off topic but involves small 4 stroke engines, so may be appropriate for generators or other camping equiptment. Today, I couldn't get my lawnmower to start. In the past, I have dripped a little gas down the throat of the carborator of small engines to prime the pump. This mower had a side draft carburator, so doing that didn't appear to be possible. While searching the garage for a can of ether starting fluid, I came across a can of Zippo lighter fluid. Why not ? I sprayed a little stream into the throat of the carburator and it fired right up. I've never heard of anyone doing that in the past but it seem more controlable than dumping gas down the carburator and it has to be safer than ether. Am I missing something? Was this a bad idea?

I don't see what it would hurt, unless there is something in the lighter fluid that would foul your spark plug. I can imagine they are the same thing really.

According to the MSDS for Zippo Lighter Fluid, it is 70% "Light Hydrotreated Distillate" and 30% "Hydrotreated Light Naphtha".That makes it very close to the same composition as many fuel additives.To break it down to the basics, it is light machine oil (3-In-One oil, sewing machine oil, etc.) and Naphtha. Some fuel additives may add in a little Benzene (which can cause cancer, they say).Looking at Material Safety Data Sheets is a favorite way to pass the time for me. It can be very educational!Ether starting fluid is, of course, just exactly that: Ether!Actually, according to one MSDS, it is:40-50% Diethyl ether40-50% Heptane, severely hydrotreatedLess than 1% mineral oil4-7% carbon Dioxide

Some cans of brake clean and some hair spray will work also. Ether and brake clean will dry out the cylinder walls on a gas engine if you use too much.

K Charles wrote:Some cans of brake clean and some hair spray will work also. Ether and brake clean will dry out the cylinder walls on a gas engine if you use too much.I don't think that hair spray would be a good idea. I'm pretty sure that it contains laquer and if it didn't ignite would coat the carburetor and cylinder walls, leading to some costly repairs.

I have used WD-40 as a starting aid for years on small engines.

Zippo Lighter Fluid | Good Sam Community

daveor
Explorer
Apr 30, 2015
another vote for WD-40
Carb_Cleaner
Explorer
Apr 30, 2015
I used to use Coleman Stove Fuel (white gas) in my Zippo lighter.
I believe it has a high Naphtha content and it seems a gallon can is always around the house, somewhere. It was cheaper than buying Zippo Lighter Fluid.
myredracer
Explorer II
Apr 29, 2015
You can spray brake or carb cleaner around the intake manifold in a car to find a leaking gasket or hose. Lighter fluid shouldn't hurt (in small amounts) but I would think using an aerosol product would give a better controlled dose amount. If using a liquid, you can more easily flood the engine and also keep body parts (esp. eyes) away from the carb in case the engine backfires
filthy_beast
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015
WD-40 works great and as far as I know can be used on diesel too. One place I did maintenance used it for their Thomas diesel skid steer.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Apr 29, 2015
I never use starting fluid. That Tech 200 carb cleaning spray from Wally world works great.
westend
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
If anything, the Naptha will clean the throat of your carburetor. Instead of the light hydro distillate being like 3-in1 oil, I'd bet it's closer to kerosene.
leeper
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
Shell says TCP works. (Tom Cat Piss)
rv2go
Explorer II
Apr 28, 2015
I have used WD-40 as a starting aid for years on small engines.
Water-Bug
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
K Charles wrote:
Some cans of brake clean and some hair spray will work also. Ether and brake clean will dry out the cylinder walls on a gas engine if you use too much.

I don't think that hair spray would be a good idea. I'm pretty sure that it contains laquer and if it didn't ignite would coat the carburetor and cylinder walls, leading to some costly repairs.
K_Charles
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
Some cans of brake clean and some hair spray will work also. Ether and brake clean will dry out the cylinder walls on a gas engine if you use too much.

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