Starting fluid, a flammable liquid, helps engine combustion start, especially when the weather is cold. However, this fluid is commonly used in gasoline engines, which begs the question, can it be used on propane engines too?
You can use starting fluid on a propane engine to get it started. The spray can help a vehicle powered by a propane engine start when it can’t work conventionally. However, starting fluid should be used rationally, as it’s highly volatile and can damage the engine or start a fire.
The article discusses more about starting fluid use on propane engines, including the potential risks. Read on to learn more.
- Can You Use Starting Fluid on a Propane Engine?
- What is Starting Fluid?
- What is a Propane engine?
- The Strategic Advantage: Understanding the Occasions When You Can Use Starting Fluid on Propane Engines
- Handle with Care: Identifying and Mitigating the 3 Major Risks of Starting Fluid on Propane Engines
- Final Thoughts
- Resources:
Can You Use Starting Fluid on a Propane Engine?
You can use starting fluid when starting a propane engine. This fluid can help the engine start, especially when it’s cold during winter. Also, starting fluid can help determine whether the vehicle has a fuel delivery problem.
What is Starting Fluid?
A starting fluid is a liquid that is highly flammable and volatile. The fluid aid internal combustion engines run when they can’t start using the usual starting procedures.
The fluid usually contains heptane, a volatile hydrocarbon, and various propellants, like dimethyl ether and CO2. Starting fluids are used due to their low autoignition temperatures, which allow them to burn earlier before fuel takes over in an engine.
Starting fluid is usually added to the vehicle’s engine near the air filter or the carburetor. Most types are usually in spray cans, and users only need to use small amounts to start the vehicle.
What is a Propane engine?
A propane engine runs almost the same way gasoline engines but uses propane instead of gasoline. Propane engines are commonly used in vehicles like forklifts, buses, and recreational vehicles. Engines running on propane experience a better driving range and cost less per gallon.
Propane has various advantages like it does not contaminate oil as much as gasoline engines do. These low contaminations mean a longer lifespan for the vehicle’s engine.
Another notable characteristic of a propane engine is its ability to start at temperatures lower than a gasoline-powered engine. This is because the propane and air mixture, the fuel mixture, is gaseous before getting into the engine for combustion.
The Strategic Advantage: Understanding the Occasions When You Can Use Starting Fluid on Propane Engines
Following are various occasions when it is necessary to use starting fluid on your propane-powered engine.
1. The engine Cannot Start Properly in Cold Weather
Cold weather is one reason your propane engine may require a starting fluid. Cold is known to affect vehicles, and sometimes you can hear chirping noise from the engine when cold.
The propane is stored in the vehicle’s tank as a liquid and only turned into gas before being injected into the engine. A regulator or vaporizer is responsible for this process and might not work as usual during cold weather.
On this occasion, you can spray small amounts of starting fluid to help the engine run. Once the engine starts generating temperature, the regulator can convert the propane to gas for further combustion.
I have also observed people pouring warm water on their vehicles, especially the fuel line, to improve the temperature. Pour some water into the fuel line and gas tank before you start it. Also, it would help if you kept it indoors to prevent freezing during the winter months.
2. The Vehicle Has Fuel Delivery Problems
Another occasion when you can use starting fluid on your propane engine is when the vehicle has a fuel delivery problem. When the vehicle has these fuel delivery issues, its engine has trouble starting, just like it does in cold weather.
The starting fluid can help you confirm this problem. If the engine starts after spraying some starting fluid, it may just be cold and requires warming. However, the vehicle may have a fuel delivery problem if it stops when the starting fluid burns out.
In this instance, the fuel system may be clogged by contaminants and requires a check-up. This is common when the vehicle has not been operational for long. Hire a professional to diagnose the fuel system and correct the fuel delivery problem.
I usually prefer performing maintenance checks on a vehicle I haven’t operated for long to prevent these issues. Check the vehicle’s fuel lines and ensure there are no leaks or blockages.
3. The Carburetor Has Issues
The vehicle’s carburetor mixes air and propane before the mixture gets to the engine for combustion. Starting fluid can be helpful if the carburetor has problems and cannot mix the two. The carburetor can develop issues if the vehicle hasn’t been operational for some time.
However, get the vehicle checked just in case there are other reasons the carburetor is having problems starting. A leaking carburetor also shows these types of issues during startup.
Handle with Care: Identifying and Mitigating the 3 Major Risks of Starting Fluid on Propane Engines
The following are the risks of using a starting fluid on a propane engine. Some of these facts are also applicable to gasoline engines.
1. Damage to The Engine
As mentioned earlier, starting fluid is highly volatile and explosive. The force it generates once ignited can damage the engine if used excessively. This force can damage various parts of the engine, including piston heads or rods, by bending or cracking them.
Ensure you only spray a squirt of starting fluid in the engine intakes to keep it safe. Also, I have observed some users using carburetor spray or WD-40 on smaller propane-powered engines, like those on a mower. These products are less volatile, exposing you to fewer risks.
2. Risk of Fire
Also, if used excessively, the engine may catch on fire, especially in the presence of other flammable fluids. For instance, the fire can break easily with coolant sprayed all over the engine. As mentioned earlier, starting fluid is highly flammable and can spontaneously ignite at a low temperature.
If the vehicle using a propane engine has a carburetor, spray the starting fluid into the carburetor hole. Nevertheless, ensure you use the spray limitedly to prevent fire.
3. Health Risks
Another risk of using a starting fluid is the danger to your health. It can cause skin irritation, drowsiness, or dizziness. It is also fatal when swallowed or gets into the airways.
Use gloves and eyewear when applying it to avoid contact with your skin or eyes. Also, avoid inhaling the fumes from the starting fluid or ingesting it. Observe the various precautions mentioned on the starting fluid safety data sheet.
Final Thoughts
You can use starting fluid on your propane engine if it can’t start as usual, especially during a cold morning. Spray the starter fluid limitedly because it’s highly volatile and can damage parts of your vehicle’s engine.
Alongside, there are various risks of using starting fluid, not only for your propane engine but also for gasoline ones. Be cautious when using it, or opt for other options, like pouring warm water on the fuel line before starting it. Also, keep the vehicle inside a garage during cold days to prevent it from freezing.
Resources:
1. https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Starting-Fluid
2. https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/how-do-propane-cars-work
3. https://www.cummins.com/news/2022/11/22/economic-and-operational-benefits-propane-engines
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