Starting problems and bomb construction?

[REWahoo]

For the first time in the 3+ years we've owned our 2001 Dutch Star, had a 'no start' situation when we tried to leave an RV park on Sunday. I had plenty of battery power and the starter cranked at normal speed, but the Cat 3126 would not 'fire'. With some assistance I was able to get it started using a couple of squirts of starter fluid in the intake. Started right up and ran perfectly.

I've since learned this was probably a very bad idea as the intake manifold heater could ignite the starting fluid causing a nasty explosion.

Since I now know the potential danger, my question is this: should I ever have to resort to using this starting technique again, how do I disconnect the manifold heater? Is there a fuse I can pull to temporarily disable it, and if so, where is it located?

Thanks...

[Restless]

You did not say what the temperature was when the cat would not start. I have this problem at higher altitudes and lower temps. The temps do not have to be very low. I have found that if I use the block heater for an hour or so before I try and Start the engine everything starts fine.

Restlss

[lllkrob]

Or if you have to use a starting fluid try WD 40, no kidding, it works better than ether, it's not as volatile. Used it to start MB diesels at -0 temps.

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Restless You did not say what the temperature was when the cat would not start. I have this problem at higher altitudes and lower temps. The temps do not have to be very low. I have found that if I use the block heater for an hour or so before I try and Start the engine everything starts fine.

Restless, thanks for your reply.

I'm not trying to diagnose the cause of my starting problem as I found out it was due to air in the fuel line, not temperature or elevation. But to answer your question, this was in south central TX at an altitude of roughly 1700 feet. The temp at the time was in the 80's after an overnight low in the low 60's. I, too use the block heater when the temp gets in the 50's or below and have always had good results.

What I am trying to find out is how to temporarily disable the manifold heater so I'll have that knowledge in the future - but hope I never need it.

REW

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lllkrob Or if you have to use a starting fluid try WD 40, no kidding, it works better than ether, it's not as volatile. Used it to start MB diesels at -0 temps.

That's a new one on me.

Even though I got away with it once, I still think spraying anything flammable on an electric heater coil might not be such a good idea - thus my search for someone who can tell me how to turn it off.