I have started non heated engines at -30 f using the ether start built into the coach many times
Bob,
That was MANY years ago. All the engines in the last many, many years have an INTAKE MANIFOLD HEATER. Spraying ether on a red hot wire grid is a good way to blow things up.
As Brett says, when ether hits the hot grid, it may explode big time. Non-professional drivers may use ether on hot engines in a situation like clogged fuel filters. This is a good way to bend connecting rods and break compression rings.
Pierce
The ether start was/is thermostatically controlled and did not work above 50 degrees on the Oshkosh's. I assume my m11 is the same way.
Doesn't matter how the intake manifold heater is controlled or how the ether is controlled. The colder the temperature, the more the intake manifold heater stays on (i.e. red hot wires) and the more ether would be injected. Again ONE OR THE OTHER. NEVER BOTH.
It is really important that each of you VERIFY whether your engine has an intake manifold heater before considering ether.
Am I incorrect to assume that the Foretravel installed system is safe to use?
Like I mentikhed I remember looking at an m11 nomenclature and external diagram and I thought the ether port was after any hesting grid...
Do I have the only 97 u320 with an on dash oem ether start switch?
Maybe there is no system only the switch? Different on a u270 or other?
Maybe a delete with Aqua hot or m11?
Our 03 u320 with the ism cummins has an ether switch on the dash and an ether canister at the rear. As far as I can tell there is not intake grid heaters on it, like our 98 u295 with the 8.3 cummins which did have the grid heaters.
Thanks red. where is your canister located?
This is an interesting topic. I've never used the ether on any of our coaches but our 02 sure has it.
I remember back when the 6.2 diesel Chevrolets came out and my cousin couldn't get his started. He called me to bring him a can of ether. When I told him he couldn't use ether because of the grids the old trucker came out in him and he said "if I blow the intake off of the *** at least I'll know why it won't start"
Hi Bob,
Our 1997 U 320 is as yours. Dash switch and all.
Raymond
The ether canister on my 2001 U320 is under the engine cover on the right hand side.
Since I'll be a summer only user I'll never need it.
Steve
Bob, right side of eng bay, outboard of the coolant overflow tank.
Our coach had an ether canister and a witch on th4 dash. The canister was rusted. I pulled it all out and will replace the momentary on switch with a single pole single throw to power a couple twelve volt outlets that I recently installed.
Roland
Exactly the same as ours - the canister looked like it was probably installed at the factory and hadn't been replaced in 20+ years! I removed the old rusted can and the mounting bracket and hose/wiring - it was just in my way when I worked in the engine compartment. I decided I should empty the canister before I tossed it in the trash. Rigged up a way to depress the valve with a nail. There wasn't any pressure left, but there was some liquid that drained out - less than a teaspoonful. Smelled like ether, and quickly evaporated.
Haven't decided on a use for the dash switch - I might steal your idea!
On my '95 it's located on the drivers side at the rear of the engine compartment. It's a white cannister. I have used it and it still works.
You should not use it in any engine with manifold heaters or glow plugs. If it's fitted from the factory it's OK. Use it sparingly as it can remove the oil from cylinder walls. Don't use the separate cans unless you are sure you know what you are doing.
Keith
Ours is located on the passenger side of the coach outboard of the coolant recovery tank and is a white canister. I do not plan to ever use it