Jack and all others...

I''d add to Pe''s method that I shake the spray can and gas off the propellant several times before piercing the can. If you hold the can properly vertical, you''ll get practically no droplets sprayed out. Also, I would not - repeat NOT - drill the can for a pouring hole.

An awl, held firmly against the can rim and struck with a rubber hammer is very certain to NOT strike a spark. The first punch hole forms a bung, and easing the awl''s point out very gradually lets almost all of the remaining propellant out. ...And, there will be remaining propellant pressure... Also, punching the upper rim, near the spray nozzle, works better to pour ALL the liquid into the catch jar... The first punch is to bleed out the remaining propellant, then punch two more alongside it as a pouring spout, then one or more opposite as vent.

I usually get the full 6 or so fluid ounces of liquid out. A regular in this forum either posted, or put up a link, for the MSDS for the John Deere starting ether. It includes an ounce, presumed mass, not volume, of butane or propane. That also must - and will - gas off before the fuel becomes usable.

Perhaps the same regular mentioned that the liquid makes nice fuel by using it as if it were pure tech ether. The can label says 80%, which would be 5.6 fl oz, if it is by volume. Using it as the specified 7 fl oz is simpler.

About 10 fl oz ether makes up a nice quart or liter of fuel, so figure on milking three cans of JD, per 2 qts/liters. The JD should be available at a John Deere sales/service shop, or most other farm/garden/ or camping supplier. Last I bought went around $3 per can.

Other diesel starting fluids, apparently, are mostly n-Heptane. That works, but runs more harshly and needs higher compression settings, in my experience. Di-ethyl ether is better. The AmsOil ignition improver reportedly works very well, too. Haven''t had opportunity to check it out yet.

Safety reminder: The ether and ignition improver are very hazardous if misused. Work with ample ventilation, away from easily ignited items in your workspace, and with deliberate, prudent care.

To seal even the capture jar, I wrap plumber''s teflon thread tape around the threads - works! Same for field and storage cans of blended fuel... And keep the diesel fuel out of direct sunlight - which can overheat it, expansion can deform metal cans, possibly spring seams, and definitely will gas off too much ether for proper operation. If possible, keep the field fuel in a drink cooler - e.g., an inexpensive styrofoam type.

Also, no, I wouldn''t put the captured ether in ANY kind of container in our refrigerator - my bride of 42 years just might not care for that...

On another forum, long ago, used to tag diesel related posts: "There''s a certain virile, manly aroma to a diesel flier..."