James Bailey

I saw an S-4 fire and run roughly but running on starting fluid (either) and then it was discovered it had no ignition or LH brain....so no spark, no fuel. It was dieseling on the very explosive either which was probably NOT very good for the rings and rod bearings.
Kibort is of the opinion that they trashed an engine by many repeated attempts to run it on starting fluid.....
Just because they sell it does not mean it is a good thing, just that it sells.

JPTL

MacFly, if you're thinking relay & can't find one locally, let me know. I have a new one that I can get to you..or at least close to you (my wife works about 15 miles from Ashburn in Centreville).

Skiviking

Well I just went through this in the last week....mine 86 would fire up and I'd run up to the store or gas station...turn it off and when I came out it would turn over but not fire...but if I waited 30-40 mins first crank it would fire up...replaced fuel filter because it was whining and noisy...ran better but still did it... Finnaly with help from here got it down to either fuel Regulator or the 2 fuel dampers on engine...opening fuel rail showed no pressure to hold fuel...have replaced regulator and it is running and restarting like new!... Hope yours is as simple...

macfly4

Thanks JP. still trying to go through and figure out how this whole relay business works. pathetic.
i have A LOT of catching up to do!

Maleficio

Interesting. You say it had no spark, yet it was able to light off and then idle via dieseling.

dr bob

Ether is real slow burner so it's possible to use it safely, but...

Most folks give a nice healthy spray, thinking more will be better. It isn't. Just a slight whiff of vapor is what works. You are trying to prove that the proble is lack of fuel, not trying to run the car on the stuff. Ether is an ok diagnostic tool. Dangerous if used incorrectly though.