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When it gets really cold outside, it can be challenging to start your diesel engine. That’s where starting fuel comes in. The product is intended to help start a stubborn engine quickly and efficiently. As long as you choose the best product for your engine type, you’ll be ready to go in no time. Check out our buying guide for the best starting fluid for diesel engines.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Prestone Premium Starting Fluid
- Best Value: Motor Medic Thrust Starting Fluid
- Honorable Mention: CRC Jump Starting Fluid with Lubricity
- Honorable Mention: STA-BIL Starting Fluid
- Honorable Mention: Penray High Ether Content Starting Fluid
- Honorable Mention: Johnsen’s Starting Fluid
- Honorable Mention: Pyroil Starting Fluid
Benefits of Starting Fluid for Diesel Engines
- Start an engine in cold temperatures. It can be really difficult to start some engines when it’s bitterly cold outside. The right starter fluid can instantaneously get the engine going with very little effort.
- Start an engine that’s been sitting for a long time. If you have a tractor or piece of lawn equipment that you haven’t used in a season or two, it may stubbornly refuse to start. Starter fluid can get it going again.
- Avoid wear and tear. If you’re having a hard time starting an engine, you may be causing more harm than you realize to components such as the starter and ignition. Starting fluid can prevent this type of damage.
Best Starting Fluids for Diesel Engines: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Prestone Premium Starting Fluid
Best Value
Motor Medic Thrust Starting Fluid
Honorable Mention
CRC Jump Starting Fluid with Lubricity
Honorable Mention
STA-BIL Starting Fluid
Honorable Mention
Penray High Ether Content Starting Fluid
Honorable Mention
Johnsen's Starting Fluid
Honorable Mention
Pyroil Starting Fluid
Our Verdict of the Best Starting Fluids for Diesel Engines
Our pick for the best starting fluid for diesel engines is Prestone Premium Starting Fluid.
It works almost immediately to start your engine, even in extremely low temperatures.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider Motor Medic Thrust Starting Fluid.
Starting Fluid for Diesel Engines Pricing
- $4-$15: Starting fluid is quite affordable, particularly considering how much it costs compared to taking a vehicle, tractor, or garden equipment to a shop for repairs. These aerosol cans all have similar properties, and very little sets one brand apart from another.
Key Features
Compatibility
The most important factor to consider when choosing a starting fluid is whether it works with the type of engine you have. Vehicles and equipment run on either gasoline or diesel. Most products can be used with gasoline engines, but not all of them are compatible with diesel engines. Also, if your diesel engine has glow plugs, you have to be particularly careful about the starting fluid that you choose.
Ether Content
Most aerosol starting fluids use either ether or diethyl ether as the central combustion agent. The higher the ether content, the easier it is for the fluid to create a spark. In extremely cold or hot conditions, starting fluid with more ether is a better option. However, it is also more volatile, so you need to be cautious when using it.
Fuel Additives
When mixed with gas, corrosion inhibitors reduce the amount of rust on the metal that makes contact with the starting fluid. Another fuel additive, called upper cylinder lubricant, lubricates the cylinder to prevent rust and corrosion, which in turn minimizes wear. If you keep these areas lubricated and clean, they will perform better. Over time, fluids with these fuel additives can reduce problems with the starter.
Other Considerations
- Flooded Engines: As we already noted, you can use starting fluid to get a tractor, vehicle, or other equipment running in cold temps or after it’s been sitting for a while. However, if you’ve made several failed attempts to get the machinery started, you run the risk of flooding the engine. Some starting fluid brands can be used in these circumstances, while others cannot. Make sure to check the instructions.
Tips
- Not all starting fluids are suitable for diesel engines. Make sure the product you purchase is compatible with your engine, so you don’t accidentally put fluid meant for gasoline engines into your vehicle.
- Be particularly careful if your engine is flooded. Some products can be used in a flooded engine, while others cannot. Be sure to read the directions carefully before attempting to put starter fluid in a flooded engine.
- The more ether a product contains, the easier it will be to create a spark that is needed to start the engine. High-ether fluids work best in very cold or humid conditions. However, they also tend to be more volatile.
FAQs
A: We do not recommend using starting fluid on a diesel engine with glow plugs or preheat systems unless a product specifically says you can. The starting fluid can pre-ignite, which can hurt you as well as the engine.
A: Hold the can’s nozzle about 12 inches away from your vehicle’s air intake. Spray it for about two seconds, and then try to start the engine.
A: It depends on the product. Some starting fluid for diesel engines do contain this feature, while others do not. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s specifications before you purchase the product.