If your car engine cranks but doesn't start, especially in cold weather, a common technique involves using a starting fluid spray to aid ignition. This method is demonstrated in the referenced video clip.
The basic idea is to introduce a highly volatile substance into the engine's air intake, which is easier to ignite than gasoline or diesel, helping the combustion process begin.
How to Use Starting Fluid Based on the Reference
The provided video clip illustrates a straightforward approach:
- Locate the Air Intake: You'll need to access the engine's air intake system. This usually involves finding the air filter box or the throttle body area.
- Apply the Spray: As mentioned in the reference, you should "Give it a spray for like two to three seconds."
- Target the Spray: The reference also suggests spraying "On each side." This typically means aiming the spray into the air intake opening or towards the throttle body from both sides if accessible, ensuring the vapor gets drawn into the engine.
- Attempt to Start: Immediately after spraying, try to start the car normally by turning the ignition key. The video notes, "And then even with these extremely cold temperatures. I should start right. Up." followed by "Good just like that we are all fired. Up," confirming the successful start.
Reference Snippet:
"Give it a spray for like two to three seconds. On each side. And then even with these extremely cold temperatures. I should start right. Up. Good just like that we are all fired. Up."
This method is particularly useful in cold conditions when fuel vaporization might be poor.
What is Starting Fluid?
Starting fluid is typically an aerosol containing flammable compounds like ether or heptane. When sprayed into the engine's air intake, it mixes with the air and creates a more combustible mixture than cold fuel alone, helping the engine fire up.
When is This Method Useful?
- When the engine cranks but doesn't start.
- In extremely cold temperatures.
- If there's a suspected minor fuel delivery issue (though it doesn't fix the underlying problem).
Using starting fluid is often a temporary solution to get the engine running and should not be relied upon as a regular starting method if there's an underlying mechanical issue.
