Wd-40

[CMSGT]

I was told by a friend of mine that WD-40 will get a diesel started and works as well as ether without the potential problems, has anyone else ever heard of this? I'm leary of trying it but I really hate using ether.

 

[800summit]

Yes it works, I know the older WD40 does, not sure on the new formula

 

[Carl_in_NH]

The can used to have propane in it for a propellant - perhaps that's what the engine is starting on instead of the oil.

 

[goldneagle]

The can used to have propane in it for a propellant - perhaps that's what the engine is starting on instead of the oil.

I've been buying it by the gallon. No propane in that!

 

[Snarky]

Gasoline on a rag, propane from a torch, WD-40.... The only think I wouldn't start a diesel with is ether. It can do some bad things to a diesel, it's too volatile and expands before top dead center.

 

[KsM715]

If its a new formula, shouldnt it be named WD-41?

 

[uscgmatt]

I thought WD-40 stood for Water Displacing - 40 weight. That might be why the 40 still.

 

[greenjeepster]

You have it right except for the 40.

That stands for the 40th formula they tried before they got it right. They had 39 before that that didn't do what they wanted.

That is correct: WD-40 Company and Product History

 

[Firefighter294]

So if they got it right at 40 and it's still right but just new.

Maybe it should be WD-40-A

 

[uscgmatt]

Thanks for the clarification, and the link.

 

[greenjeepster]

I could be wrong, but as far as I know wd-40 is the same old formula it always has been. I checked their site and googled new formula and nothing come up other than their new dispensing systems. i.e. The pen and trigger pro can.

 

[CMSGT]

So does anyone know if the new formula works? I guess they changed propellants in the 90s.

 

[boomer]

If its a new formula, shouldnt it be named WD-41?

You would think?!

 

[boomer]

You have it right except for the 40.

That stands for the 40th formula they tried before they got it right. They had 39 before that that didn't do what they wanted.

In a way, that's good- wd 39 sounds funny saying

 

[boomer]

So if they got it right at 40 and it's still right but just new.

Maybe it should be WD-40-A

wd 40-A1

 

[JAYHAWK 1962]

Kinda makes you wonder what ever happened to preparation a through g

 

[M543A2]

We have not tried WD40. If it is suspected that the propane or butane used as the propellant in the can is partly responsible for the starting aid, our experience with propane power boost systems is that neither will ignite in a compression ignition engine without the diesel fuel ignition first being present. We tried running the engine on propane only after it was started to see if it would make it rev uncontrollably, and it just killed it.
We have had good luck with lighting and trimming an acetylene torch, then holding it near the intake so heated air is drawn in during the cranking cycle. The heated air helps the diesel fog ignite like it is summertime. No knock!
Regards Marti

 

[Blood_of_Tyrants]

The liquid in WD-40 is a petroleum distillate, Stoddard solvent. It works well for removing cosmoline.

 

[greenjeepster]

The liquid in WD-40 is a petroleum distillate, Stoddard solvent. It works well for removing cosmoline.

Been there, tried that, didn't work worth a damn, not from wood anyway. Their web site also says that the Stoddard Solvent speculation is incorrect.

Also just received this email from their customer service dept:

Thank you for contacting the WD-40 Company. We appreciate your interest and loyalty to our product. We are happy to say that we have not changed the formula of WD-40 and have no intentions of doing so.
Thank you again for contacting the WD-40 Company. Please let us know if we may be of further assistance.
Best regards,
Eva Zabowski
WD-40 Customer Service

 

[CMSGT]

CMSGT......... I believe you are correct in that they did change the propellant in WD-40. The new stuff does not seem to work as well as the old stuff. The formula for WD-40 has not changed just the propellant in the aerosol can. I have been using PYROIL starting fluid for years and have had no problem. However a lot of folks do not know that starting fluid generally comes in two strengths. Regular and Premium. I use the premium as it has a higher ether content and gets the job done quicker. By the way PYROIL starting fluid has the required lubricants in it to minimise the wear on the internal parts when using the product.

ADDED LATER:

Valvoline Pyroil Premium Ether Starting Fluid 11 Ounce SFR-11 America's Farm & Home Store

Some of the off the wall brands do not have the lubricants in them so beware.

Thanks! I have that type of starting fluid I am just worried about damaging my engine. My truck is in the mountains and this weeken will be my last shot at getting it out. I have had unsuccessful attempts at starting it due to the decrease in temperatures the last couple of weekends. It would almost start but then my batteries would go dead. It did fire with the starting fluid but didnt catch. I bought new batteries and will attempt to get it going this weekend, it is supposed to make it up to 45 so we shall see! With all of the remarks about starting fluid being bad I was looking for an alternative.