I went to look at a Craigslist el camino today and the owner said it had been setting for a long time. So he wanted to start it for me. He used CRC Brake Parts Cleaner for a starting fluid. Of course the engine started only after it cranked long enough to get gas to the carb. I wonder how he came up with that use for brake parts cleaner. After seeing the info about avoiding this stuff near welding sites, I can imagine that the cleaner being burned in the engine would produce a very toxic exhaust.

I wouldn't do that. Like you, I'd worry about the chamicals that might be released when the brake cleaner burns. Why take a chance if you don't know?

When an engine has set for a long time, it is good to crank it long enough to get fuel to the carb before it starts. That long cranking time allows the oil pump to prime the engine again with oil after a long sit that lets the oil drain off the parts that need lubricating. When the engine starts up, it won't be running without oil.

J,
Most brake cleaner now days is not even flammable, so I dont kow what he used. We have always used 2+2 or Gumout carb cleaner. It will start them right up without the danger to the engine of using starting fluid (ether). I figure once the stuff is burned, it should be gone anyway.

I have been in a shop when a coworker mistakenly grabbed a can of chlorinated brake cleaner instead of carb cleaner, and squirted it in a running engine.

It felt like all the oxygen was sucked out of the room instantly.

Lacquer thinner in a squirt bottle works good.

A squirt bottle full of gas can quickly fill the float bowls through the vent tubes before firing the engine. It saves a lot of wear a tear on the engine and starter.