<P> Starting fluid is a volatile , flammable liquid which is used to aid the starting of internal combustion engines , especially during cold weather or in engines that are difficult to start using conventional starting procedures . It is typically available in an aerosol spray can , and may sometimes be used for starting direct injected diesel engines or lean burn spark engines running on alcohol fuel . Some modern starting fluid products contain mostly volatile hydrocarbons such as heptane , ( the main component of natural gasoline ) with a small portion of diethyl ether , and carbon dioxide ( as a propellant ) . Some formulations contain butane or propane as both propellant and starting fuel . Historically , Diethyl ether , with a small amount of oil , a trace amount of a stabilizer and a hydrocarbon propellant has been used to help start internal combustion engines because of its low 160 ° C ( 320 ° F ) autoignition temperature . </P>
what does starting fluid do to a diesel
for starting direct injected diesel engines or lean burn spark engines running on alcohol fuel