Adding ether start to a Cat 3116 - Diesel Forum

mifirewoodguy · 10-05-2007, 11:11 AM

Is it possibly to add a cold start/ether start to this engin and if so where do you put the injector nozzle? Anyone have any experience with this??? Tha engin does have a manifold heater and a block heater but I dont think it has glow plugs. Thankls for any and all Ideas and advice in advance. Lee

montanafan · 10-05-2007, 06:23 PM

In the late 70's, I operated some Cat equipment at a sawmill. A 966 and 980 loader and a D-7F. Also, a 977 traxcavator. Those things all had glow plugs, but occasionally we would use a quick shot of starting fluid on the air cleaner to help start them (at minus 25 or 30) The mechanics hated to know that we did that. If there is any way to start your engine without it, I would certainly try to avoid using starting fluid.

Birken Vogt · 10-07-2007, 01:38 AM

You said it has a manifold heater, does it not work? You can have ether or a manifold heater but not both.

Birken

MT765 · 10-07-2007, 06:30 PM

The 3116 does have a intake heater, but it seems like it never does a good job helping the engine start when they are cold. If you do use ether just make sure the heater is disconnected or cooled off before giving her a shot. I have heard of kits for the 3116 but have never seen one. We do use ether on a tractor with the 3116 with no problems.

drcampbell · 10-08-2007, 10:09 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: montanafan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> ... The mechanics hated to know that we did that. If there is any way to start your engine without it, I would certainly try to avoid using starting fluid. </div></div>

There's nothing wring with an ether system that's been installed and properly calibrated. It'll use a crankshaft sensor and/or starter interlock to assure that it only injects ether while it's cranking, and a calibrated nozzle to assure that it gets an appropriate dose.

rvannatta · 10-10-2007, 02:15 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drcampbell</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: montanafan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> ... The mechanics hated to know that we did that. If there is any way to start your engine without it, I would certainly try to avoid using starting fluid. </div></div>

There's nothing wring with an ether system that's been installed and properly calibrated. It'll use a crankshaft sensor and/or starter interlock to assure that it only injects ether while it's cranking, and a calibrated nozzle to assure that it gets an appropriate dose.
</div></div>

And then there are the dotes that think the ether start assist
is the power assist button for going up the hills.

That said we use it sparingly on engines that we can't get started any other way. our 3116 is not one we''ve had problems getting to go but we don't get sub zero temperatures either,
but ours has a block heater if you have electric power around
and that makes them start nicely.