starting fluids

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nuclearlemon

not an addict
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ok, seems simple enough, but when to mount a tire using starting fluid, which i've done numerous times and found that pyroil branded starting fluid doesn't explode. it just burns in a slow manner.

maybe it's a new car thing, but is that how starting fluid is made now, or does pyroil just suck. it wouldn't surprise me because i bought it from work and we only sell that crap non chlorinated brake clean too, so maybe i need to expect inferior chemicals there and go back to checker for my fluids

has anyone bought a starting fluid lately that they can confirm "explodes"? if so, what brand?
 
Starting fluid contains diethyl ether. It has a distinctive smell. Read the label. The more ether the better. The two brands I remember were CRC and Valvoline, but that was a long time ago. Maybe they changed the formulation, but to work for starting an engine in the extreme cold, it would have to be something that is pretty volatile, like propane, butane, pentane hexane or ether.

The butane from a cigarette lighter works in a pinch, but you have to break the plastic case to get enough fluid out before it evaporates.
 
WD40 works well....
 
Not.
WD stands for "won't do"

Without a doubt, ether is preferrable, but I disagree with you on WD40. I've used it a few times when in a bind. Without other options, it will work and it's ubiquitous. You can always find someone with a can.
 

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