Starting my F12

[Craig45]

Went out to start my F12 today, temperature in the low 30's. I cranked about 15 times and nothing. Sprayed one squirt of starting fluid and it started up. What's up with this and will starting fluid harm the engine?
 

[Janicholson]

Very fresh winter grade (blend) of gasoline has a good chance of starting one of these old friends. If it is summer gasoline, it was blended to have a low vapor pressure and thus be OK for summer heat, but will just not make vapor easily in cold temps. Starting with a whiff of ether is just fine. Way too much and there is a chance of wrecking components. Diesel tractors have about 3 times the compression ratio, and can be very wounded if not ruined by using fluid to excess. A 1/2 second spritz into the intake is sure workable. Jim
 

[ken house]

might try a little gas on a rag. gas is easier on engine than ether.
 

[Tom Fleming]

Ether can be detrimental to an engine if over used. As jim stated, a short burst of a second or less, will NOT hurt it. In cold weather OR if the fuel bowl on the carb has gone dry, you don't have much of an option other than to use a bit of ether to get these old girls started.

Don't overdo it, and don't lose sleep for what you just described.

Other's may disagree with me, but I always have a can around for tough starters.........I have yet to ruin an engine givng it a short squirt of the girl scout juice.................