Starting fluid is a mixture of diethyl ether, volatile hydrocarbons(pentane/hexane) and some propane, dimethyl ether or butane. Often useful when starting direct injected diesel engines or lean burn spark engines running on alcohol fuel. Starting fluid works due to the low autoignition temperature of diethyl ether, 360F (182C).
Other uses with either gasoline or diesel engines is if the motor isn't used very often. Using starting fluid to get the engine running faster avoids wear on the engine. Mechanics sometimes use it to diagnose starting problems, especially amateur mechanics that lack diagnostic machines. It is used more often with carbureted engines, than with fuel injection systems.
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