Best Starting Fluid for Diesel Engines: Avoid Getting Stranded

This 10-ounce can contains a premium ethyl ether formula for both gasoline and diesel engines. It's designed to start engines in temperatures as low as -65 degrees Fahrenheit as well as flooded engines. The Prestone fluid meets federal low-sulfur content requirements, so it's fine for diesel motor vehicles as well as non-road engines, including lawnmowers and construction equipment.

This fluid aids in starting your vehicle even if it's been sitting for a while. One shot of this starting fluid, and your diesel engine should spring to life. It has a broad range of flammability, which is why it works so well with an engine's ignition. Plus, Prestone has a reputable name in the industry.

There really aren't many downsides with this starting fluid. Some users don't like the smell of the ether, but that's hard to avoid. Also, it doesn't necessarily do a superior job compared to some other options.

The Motor Medic starting fluid is for use in both gas and diesel engines. It works in temperatures as low as -65 degrees Fahrenheit and quickly starts up a diesel engine without glow plugs. The fluid also contains upper cylinder lubricants.

To use this product all you need to do is spray a little bit of it on the engine, and it will ignite almost instantly. The fluid performs exactly as it's supposed to, and it's a good value. It also has a little lube oil mixed in with the ether for engine protection.

However, this starting fluid may not work as well as similar products when used with certain engines, particularly if the vehicle or lawn equipment has been sitting around for a long period of time.

This 11-ounce can of starter fluid is ideal for both cold and humid starts on gasoline and diesel engines. It works effectively in temperatures as low as -65 degrees Fahrenheit. This CRC starting fluid also lubricates upper cylinders and improves starter life.

This product does exactly as it advertises. When you use this starting fluid, it starts your engine up quickly every time, even if it’s an old diesel tractor, a motorcycle, or lawn equipment.

Unfortunately, the formula contains 20 percent ether and isn't good for diesel engines with glow plugs because it can damage the engine. It may cause some damage to this type of diesel engine. It’s also extremely flammable. In addition, if you use it regularly over the years, you may need it every time you start the engine.

The STA-BIL starting fluid comes in a pack of six 11-ounce cans. It ensures a faster start on both gas and diesel engines in temperatures as low as - 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be used on buses, cars, construction equipment, lawnmowers, marine engines, motorcycles, tractors, trucks, and snowmobiles.

The product has corrosion inhibitors as well as upper cylinder lubricant. It will not damage catalytic converters or oxygen sensors. If you want to avoid taking your vehicle or weed wacker to the shop for repairs, this stuff will do the trick.

However, like all starting fluids this product is flammable. Also, it may not come with any straws, so you don't have the ability to direct the flow of the fluid. This can cause a big mess.

This 11-ounce can of high ether content starting fluid can be used in gasoline or diesel engines in cars, trucks, tractors, generators, buses, marine engines, outboards, and power mowers. You can quickly and smoothly start your engine in temperatures as low as -70 degrees Fahrenheit.

The fluid has corrosion inhibitors and provides upper cylinder lubrication. It's designed to keep batteries, starters, and engines from wearing down. One benefit with this fluid is that it can start engines that have been sitting for several years.

Like most brands of starting fluid, it’s worth noting that this product contains the chemicals chloroethane, which may cause cancer, and toluene, which may cause birth defects.

Johnsen's starting fluid is composed of a 20 percent ether blend.  It's designed for both gasoline and diesel engines and works well in passenger cars, diesel engines, lawn mowers, chainsaws, outboard motors, and fractional horse power engines.

The product performs in temperatures as low as -65 degrees Fahrenheit and quickly starts stubborn engines when it's cold outside. It saves batteries and, like many starter fluids, contains upper cylinder lubricant. The additives in the fluid meet federal low-sulfur content requirements, so it's safe for diesel motor vehicles and non-road engines.

There are few downsides with this product. It contains chemicals that are harmful if ingested just like other brands, and it isn't necessarily superior to its competition. Overall, it works as advertised.

Valvoline's starter fluid is designed for use in gasoline, diesel, and two-cycle engines, including lawn mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, motorcycles, and stalled engines or engines that aren't used very often. It contains a blend of ether and petroleum-based distillates that aid in its operation in subzero temperatures.

This starter fluid can fit diesel injector systems. It promotes a smooth start and minimizes battery drain. Since it ignites at a lower temperature than gasoline, it creates quicker starts as well as decreases the wear on the starter. Overall, it's a great product if you have a stubborn engine that won't run.

Like several of the products on this list, this one has few, if any, downsides. Like other brands, it works as advertised on engines that have a tough time starting. However, there have been a small number of complaints that it may be shipped without the plastic nozzle.

This Polar premium starting fluid comes in a pack of 12 11-ounce cans. The formula contains a high concentration of ethyl ethers, and it's designed to quickly and efficiently start both gasoline and diesel engines. It also works in cold temperatures and severe weather conditions.

This product works well if your engine has been sitting around for a while. It saves the battery, and the 12-pack is a good value if you need to stock up on a product that you use often. Overall, it works as advertised.

The biggest downside with this product is that you may not need a dozen cans to start your engine. If you need just one can, look elsewhere. Another problem is that there have been some complaints that the packaging may get damaged during shipping.