Is it OK to use starter fluid on a diesel truck engine?

I don't know, but it seems to me that since there is no spark, it wouldn't do much good. I could be wrong though.

 

I've done it and seen it done, but don't know if it is recommended

 

OP must be a troll. Nevertheless, starting fluid should only be used on a diesel without glow plugs. Not on a spark plug engine, except your lawn mower.

 

I have used it. It worked.

 

NO, if you have glow plugs, or an intake heater.

 

Just because there is no spark doesn't mean starting fluid won't work. You can use it, just wouldn't use alot of it. If it's in the single digits I would plug the engine heater in if at all possible, would help alot.

 

Safer to use a charcoal grill under the engine with tarps wrapped around the cab.

 

Yep, you are wrong.

 

starter fluid would probably work on engine compression alone. Starter fluid is more flammable than gasoline. A high compression gasoline motor would have a CR (compression ratio) of 13:1, and a diesel would have one over 20:1 put gasoline in a Diesel engine and odds are you would have uncontrollable predetonate on, which would probably put a rod through either the oilpan or the side of the engine block.

I would use use starter fluid only in emergency situations.

Extreme cold is hard on the batteries, and it's hell on your engine oil. I hope you are plugging in your block heater.