Cummins ISX 15L

Looks like someone was using ether to start it??

 

Yup. Ether canister is what it looks like. Hope they weren't using it when not needed or that engine might not like starting in the cold.

@Heavyd was this a factory option for Navistar or aftermarket?

 

Back in the old days that's how they passed each other...

 

Yes, this is actually factory installed. Not sure about standard or optional, but most trucks do have them. 99% of customers never use them, never even install an ether bottle on them. I just laugh every time I see this, empty and completely dirty, rusted and now useless. I'm not even sure how they work, there are no switches or buttons for them. I also can't even remember the last time I installed a bottle. Probably more than 15 years!!!

 

Interesting. The only truck I ever saw an ether canister on was an early 80's Western Star.

I know Caterpillar uses ether start aids on their heavy equipment. They are all controlled by the ECM, so its only actually sprayed into the manifold under certain conditions.