In the 1990's and early 2000's, I drove a tow truck in which most were diesel engines like the Ford F-350 Super-Duty and Ford F-550. When the trucks were new, we just checked the oil and warmed them up before we took off. There were some shops that had them plugged-in and that was good. Some shops had older diesels and not plugged-in and the were hard to start. (I drove these truck in my early 20's and unfortunately I'm not a mechanic nor knew too much about vehicles back then) Sometimes we would use "ETHER" or "STARTING FLUID". Then they would start right up but either very loud and/or hard and would also sometimes "White Smoke" while starting. Some people would say not to use to much Ether because it can blow the heads from the engine? others say that Ether is no good and don't use it. Some other say it's perfectly fine. I'm not sure how this process works because I plan to start driving small diesel vehicles again.
1) Is Ether or Starting Fluid good for a car or diesel vehicle?
2) What tips are recommend to prevent using these staring fluids if possible? (Plug-in vehicle, maintenance, anti diesel gelling fuel additives, Etc.)
3) Does cold weather impede the staring of diesel vehicle and if so...what are the best ways to take care of diesel vehicles in cold weather?
Yes extended use of starting fluid is not good for an engineer all that knocking noise and get smoke. Basically you want to make sure the diesel has a very good battery that's strong and not worn out you can test it every 6 months or so and if you can't park the vehicle indoors if it's really cold outside put in either a block heater or a radiator heater to keep it warm when you're starting it
