Engine Started and now a question on engine care

[Bruce_B]

As I posted before, finally got the car started after struggling with timing. I've been using starter fluid sprayed into the carb for fuel. Seems I've heard that starting fluid can cause problems...is that true? (other than getting you dizzy).

Just wondered what if any damage I could have done to the new engine. I probably over a few weeks, ran the engine on the starter maybe 10 - 15 minutes total, just a few seconds at a time.

In order to protect the new engine and keep things lubricated while I rewire the car I plan on:

--changing the oil (probably diluted with starter fluid)and filter.
--putting a little oil in each piston to lube the cylinders.
--squirting oil on the rockers before putting the cover back on.

Any other ideas? Could I have hurt the engine? When it did start it only ran for about 5 seconds.

 

[GeeBee1]

Probably no harm, but get the fuel delivery going, you can use gravity feed :wink:

 

[jlaird]

Do not use starter fluid again. It eats up the alum. pistons I am told thus reduceing compression.

 

[Glen_B]

As far as any magical chemical destruction, not likely. But since its such a good solvent, it washes down the cylinder wall and diminishes the lubrication of the piston a bit more than gasoline. For the brief time its in use, not a big issue. Since starter fluid is by design quite volatile, leave off you oil filler cap for a week or two while you continue working on the car and it will be gone when you get around to starting it again. No big whoop unless you dipstick shows the oil volume is now higher by a half quart or something extreme like that.

Glen Byrns

 

[Bruce_B]

Appreciate the advice.