Ether bottle replacement

[wadefreedomvehicles]

I looked everywhere. I couldn't find it in the TM's and anywhere on the internet. How to replace the ether bottle. Is it just straight forward. Take the spent one out and then put the new one on? or is there certain things to do? Any help.

 

[Scar59]

Yep, pretty straight forward, bottles are available at the big truck parts shop, tip of the day; change the cork gasket out when you change the bottle.

 

[74M35A2]

Spins on just like a propane cylinder to a torch head. A NAPA branded one will fit and work, but the over-pressure vent tube which is on the truck and original bottle will likely not fit the NAPA cylinder.

 

[wadefreedomvehicles]

And I don't have to disconnect the glowplugs?

 

[MtnSnow]

Neither of the motors in the M939 series trucks have glowplugs...

 

[wadefreedomvehicles]

Ok so, Should I also get a block heater? I found one for like $80.

 

[74M35A2]

You need to decide that, not us. You are not indicating what vehicle or engine you are talking about, and what the coldest temp is you will be starting the truck. Try without, add as required.

 

[wadefreedomvehicles]

Ok I have a 1991 M923a2 With eh cummins 8.3. It has a few thousand miles. fairly low. I probably will only be starting it a few times during the winter. I don't use it like crazy. I just don't want to ruin my engine.

 

[Coffey1]

I have a block heater and I live in SC. Just easier to start a warm motor then a cold one.
I also have M923A2 and 4 good batteries are better than two.

 

[wadefreedomvehicles]

Charging my batteries right now. And okay cool. I will play it by ear. Thanks. I will ask more questions as needed.

 

[74M35A2]

Yes, fully charged batteries are step 1. Block heaters work great, but aren't really needed on the 8.3 until you get pretty cold. What is the coldest overnight temp you could guess you would want to start the truck the next morning? Clean fuel filters and diesel fuel with anti-gel in it goes a long way. The 8.3 starts relatively easy, even in cold temps. Won't need any ether or block heater until 20F or colder, my opinion. You can crank for up to 15 seconds at a time without starter damage, as long as you let it cool some before the next crank. Hold the pedal part way down, and go...

 

[gottaluvit]

I only have two original military batteries and have a 12v socket with a single LED (relevance?, a wee draw on the battery keeps electrons excited) and at the coldest it has been this year (14°F) the starter zinged and after four or so seconds of cranking with no fire, I used the ether as instructions indicate, and it fired after another four seconds of cranking. The 8.3 starts like a dream. I figure if the military didn't need a block heater in the field then I don't want to be dependant on one either.

 

[MtnSnow]

Charging my batteries right now. And okay cool. I will play it by ear. Thanks. I will ask more questions as needed.

So far this year Wadefeedomvehicles I have not had to use ether nor plug in a block heater (neither of my trucks have them) and it was 24* the other morning when I did it. Sure they smoked a bit and needed to crank for a few moments but both started right up and all cyl where firing in less than 30 seconds

 

[wadefreedomvehicles]

Hmm ok, Thanks. These are great tips. I just got the truck in May, so I don't know a whole lot about it yet. The more I learn the better. I think I am going to try it tomorrow mid day to get it going. So thanks. I will keep all this in mind.

 

[red]

A block heater is much easier on the engine than starter fluid, but both work.

 

[DJones]

A block heater is much easier on the engine than starter fluid, but both work.

I agree with red just plug it in a couple of hours before use and save the starting fluid for emergency starts when you don't have time to plug in. Just my .