Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Tuesday Torque: Crosley OE 128 Engine

 We all love big uns, Merle! Thank You! 

I have heard many horror stories about using ether for startups, but I have used it, always with a bit of dread. When I was working for an oilwell service company, I had to start Waukesha 135s on cold mornings before the pulling units left the yard. They ran on LP, and had magneto ignition. The impulse on those mags did not always work when the motor oil was cold, and  the tool pusher didn't want the crews to run batteries down and burn up starters, so the engines got the first start of the day before the crews arrived. My method was to hook the cooling system to a running pickup truck to warm up the antifreeze, then give a shot of gasoline and oil to the intake manifold, followed by a small shot of ether. The Waukeshas would fire up right away, in spite of the weak spark from a slow magneto with that combo. 

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bit more! Bit more! LOL!

David aka True Blue Sam said...

Stories of exploding engines impressed me at an early age. Ether can also wash away oil and cause scoring. Of course, liquid gasoline can do that, too, so when I prime an engine I like to use 2 stroke mix. I was surprised recently while watching Vice Grip Garage that Derek uses 2 stroke mix to prime engines that have not run recently. Gotta take care of those cylinders and rings!