Originally Posted by
Mark 42
I'm near Seattle, WA.
Is ether a controlled substance?
Ether seems to be difficult to get in the US. People seem to get satisfactory results using John Deere tractor starting fluid which is mostly Di Ethyl Ether. A useful fuel mix for your Enya Diesel would be 25% Castor, 30% John Deere, 45% ordinary Kerosene. On top of that add 1-2% of Amsoil Cetane Booster as a Diesel Ignition Improver. If you just want to start your diesel on the bench a mix of 1/3 Castor, 1/3 John Deere, 1/3 Kerosene should work just fine.
There is quite a body of information on this web site regarding "milking" the starting fluid out of it's rattle can container. I've never done it, but no doubt a quick search on here or a specific question should elicit some advice as to the process. Good luck and please post pictures.