Perkins 4108

joluke · #1 (**permalink**) 02-17-2002

My aging 4-108 only struggles to start in cold weather, often requiring 45 seconds of cranking in 15 second intervals to start. With a brief (1 second) shot of starting fluid the engine starts immediately, but clatters for about a second or two. Am I harming the engine doing this?

JEFryar · #2 (**permalink**) 02-18-2002

YES!!
Never use starting fluids. They clean the cylinder walls of all lubrication and will cause damage to your engine. Check the glow plug/s, or whatever device heats the fuel.
Also use an additive to raise the cintane of the fuel and be sure you are buying winter formulated fuel.
JEF

kimberlite · #3 (**permalink**) 02-18-2002

i have seen a number of diesel mechanics use wd-40 as a starting fluid. i have tried it and it seems to work. this is not a solution to the problem but it will get your engine started.
eric

joluke · #4 (**permalink**) 02-21-2002

Thanks guys, I checked with the local deisel shop and on their advice, got rid of the starting fluid. I keep a can of WD-40 around just in case. Noticed with the weather getting a little warmer last week, the engine started quickly.

navtron · #5 (**permalink**) 02-23-2002

May try a hair dryer on the air intake...if you got 110v from the dock... needs warm air to make it start easier in cold weather