Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Ether system (Read 1717 times) previous topic - next topic

Ether system

I asked about leaving the block heater on all night and into the day on another thread. I got good answers there, but then the thread morphed into a discussion of the ether system, so I thought I'd start a new thread on that topic.

I don't know if my coach ever had such a system. I don't see any evidence of a switch for it on the dash, and when the engine was rebuilt in January the tech didn't say anything about one. Where would I find indications that I either do or do not have such a system on my coach? I'm going to be at OTM in a little over a week, so I could always ask them, but I'd rather ask you. What should I look for?

Re: Ether system

Reply #1 –
Most are  a beige canister about the dimension of a propane torch canister mounted in the engine room (visible from the back).
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Ether system

Reply #2 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
What should I look for?
Our coach had ether.  To the left of our steering wheel, near the parking brake knob, there is a rocker switch labeled (you guessed it) "ETHER".  It is a momentary switch - only on while you hold it down.  The rusty canister was mounted on the engine compartment frame, just to the left of the alternator in the photo below.  It's gone now.  I decided we would never drive our coach in conditions requiring ether.  Best laid plans...
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Ether system

Reply #3 –
Thanks, Bret and Chuck. I haven't found a brown cylinder in the engine area or a dash switch, ether. (Okay, that was a bad pun.) I'm guessing that this coach never had the ether system. Given that Foretravel used a different engine/transmission combination in every model they built back then, maybe some got the ether system and some didn't.

Anyone have a 1993 U300 WITH ether?

Re: Ether system

Reply #4 –
I would have thought you would have generated a multitude of comments re the Ether system as there are many very hard and fast views out there.
For a start I have it fitted, and do not intend to use it unless things get real bad on a cold start.
Speedbird1
2001 U320 Build #5865
Daihatsu Rocky Toad
VW Touareg
'82 F100 Stepside
Beech' Debonair

Re: Ether system

Reply #5 –
Most Foretravel C8.3 engines have electric grid heaters in intake manifold to preheat engine.  Adding ether when heater is on may cause an intake manifold explosion. Most M11 engines do not have intake manifold heater and were built with ether system, which most do not use and maybe should not use.

Re: Ether system

Reply #6 –
Mostly curious....
Where would one get a can of ether?  NAPA?
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Ether system

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Moby –
Where would one get a can of ether?
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/zerostart-5348/agriculture-hd-parts---accessories-19818/fleet---heavy-duty-20088/heaters---accessories-20113/diesel-fuel-warmers---heaters-19926/diesel-starting-fluid-cylinder/8200327/4871508
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Ether system

Reply #8 –
My ether system pushbutton is labeled cold start. BTW I had to move the coach temporarily tuesday when it was 16 degrees outside, started the propane genset, switched on the block heater, pretty sure running it for 15 minutes does nothing. Did not try the ether as my best guess it's the OEM original judging by the canister condition. It was grumpy, but started on the second attempt. Lots of white smoke. Drove it until Engine temp hit 175.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Ether system

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Old phart phred –
...started the propane genset, switched on the block heater, pretty sure running it for 15 minutes does nothing.
Yes, I agree.  Block heater (on our C8.3) needs at least 2-3 hours to do much good, in my limited cold weather experience.  Or if it's really cold, leave it on overnight, as is being discussed in another thread.  I don't think the white smoke on startup at those temps is anything to worry about, as long as it clears up when the engine starts to warm up a little.  Give the block heater more time to work, and you'll probably see less smoke.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Ether system

Reply #10 –
That stuff ain't cheap at O'Reillies
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Ether system

Reply #11 –
I dont have ether on mine, but with a block heater and never in a hurry when traveling, I would always choose 30 minutes of genset/block heater time prior to taking off. Even a short run of the heater puts enough heat into the ajacent cylinders that they fire nearly instantly leading to a much quicker, less smokey start. A few hours and it starts like its bermuda.

95 U300SE

Re: Ether system

Reply #12 –
Ether start dispenses a measured charge per button push below 50 degrees F as the system is thermostatically controlled.

Block heaters require operating sub systems to work as does aquahot engine preheating.

 Do c8.3's have a ether start dash switch?

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Ether system

Reply #13 –
Bob, if you read the post by Barry and Cindy you would know that C8.3 has a grid heater, I thought you were a Foretravel salesman, you should know that.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Ether system

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Bill Willett –
Bob, if you read the post by Barry and Cindy you would know that C8.3 has a grid heater...
Not Bob, but I beg to differ.  My C8.3 (mechanical, non-electronic) does not have a grid heater, and was equipped with ether from the factory.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Ether system

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
Do c8.3's have a ether start dash switch?
See Reply #2 above.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Ether system

Reply #16 –
Quote from: rbark –
That stuff ain't cheap at O'Reillies
Agree, but if you only used it a few times each Winter, it could potentially last a LONG time.  The factory installed canister I removed from our coach still had some liquid (and a tiny bit of pressure) inside after 20 years!
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Ether system

Reply #17 –
Our 91GV has an ether injection sys. and a block heater.  Have never used the ether sys and don't plan to, it is hard on the engine.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Ether system

Reply #18 –
Quote from: Moby –
Mostly curious....
Where would one get a can of ether?  NAPA?
Yes or AZ/OR. It's called "Starting Fluid" and is cheap. Not labeled ether as too many young PU drivers would probably try and use it on their girlfriend.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Ether system

Reply #19 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Yes or AZ/OR. It's called "Starting Fluid" and is cheap. Not labeled ether as too many young PU drivers would probably try and use it on their girlfriend.

Pierce
https://www.autozone.com/deicer-and-starting-fluid/starting-fluid/valvoline-11-oz-extra-strength-starting-fluid/7877_0_0
My old 71 series need a shot at anything under 30 degrees.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Ether system

Reply #20 –
I am aware that Foretravel manufactured coaches over the years with many different configurations, so it makes sense that all C8.3 are not the same.  But over time, Foretravel added quality features like manifold grid pre-heat, transmission retarder & powertech.

Re: Ether system

Reply #21 –
Grid preheat may not be compatible with ether spray upwind by an owner.

P
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Ether system

Reply #22 –
You won't need ether if you warm up your oil so your engine cranks at normal speed. The computer may give up after a few seconds if none of the cylinders are firing normally. Wait a moment and crank again and it'll probably get a few cylinders firing normally on the second attempt. I've never needed more than three attempts and it's always been because the computer gave up and made me try again. The block heater won't warm up the oil, so don't be surprised if you have difficulty starting in very cold weather even with the block heater on. Install an oil pan heater and forget all about the block heater and ether... by the way I'm talking about a two cycle Detroit Diesel with straight 40 weight oil, no doubt four cycle engines need less heat on the oil pan for cold weather starts
Scott Cook
1991 U300 36' 6V92TA
Old Town Penobscot 16
1984 Honda VF1100C (V65 Magna)

Re: Ether system

Reply #23 –
My four stroke cat cranks well with a new geared delco starter and 5w-40 synthetic in the sump. Straight 40 is like molasses at colder temps. Oil pan heat would almost be required!
95 U300SE

Re: Ether system

Reply #24 –
I don't know of any 6v92s that came with OEM ether. You can always do your own by spraying it into your air filter while someone cranks the engine. I regard it as a measure of last resort. I carry a can but have never used it.

I would do as Pierce and use the ether on the generator and get it going then turn on the block heater and let it do it's thing while you fix some coffee and relax. If you're in a hurry do the engine instead. Just don't get carried away with the ether.

As in all things in life do what you have to do.

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X