so the 644E has an ether start button but it looks like its fallen into disrepair. the instructions say crank for 1 second, pause, gas it and crank it again. It seems to start with a little protesting at 30 degrees but starts in 4 seconds and picks up all cylinders after about 10 seconds. We generally know what days we'll be using it and there is a block heater, we could put that on a timer. I know ether abuse is mighty harmful, I'd probably put in a second outlet in the back of the building and add a trickle charger along with the block heater, keep the batteries nice and ready to help save the starter. On the engine I see the hose and wires for the ether start but that's about it! No can, no valve. Any thoughts?
Couple different versions, one takes the cylinders that look like propane torch cylinders, the other looks kinda like a fuel filter canister you put the starting fluid can inside: My take on ether start systems, if the OEM builds the system in, and you use it according to the instructions, you won't damage the engine. CAT still offers it as an option at least through Tier3.