Opinions on using ether to start my 6.9 IDI

[IH DIESEL POWER]

My 6.9 needs glow plugs and a manual glow plug switch badly. But until I get one I use a shot of ether to start it up in the mornings and if to start it again if it sits too long. Now I know everyone says its so bad to use ether, but if my glow plugs arent working it shouldn't hurt. I know ether lacks the lubrication of diesel fuel which is bad for the rings but I've been running my 6.9 on ether for years now. And it still runs great. So any opinions????

[FordGuy100]

In the above situation, I would say it is alright. It really comes down to the operator.

I would make sure the glow plugs are not operating (disable the glow plug relay) and use a small shot of ether. I would also only use it for short term purposes as it really isnt the greatest for an engine.

That said, I will always have a can in my truck. That way if we have an artic blast down here in Tejas and its 50 below zero I wont have to bother with running the batteries down with glow plugs. Crank it over, and have someone shoot it with ether. (Yes this scenario wont ever happen ).