My buddy has a 2001 with 369732 miles on the clock.

In cold start situations it will not start without a smell of ether (starting fluid) plugged up or not.
After it has started the first time it will always start back with no hesitation within the first 5 minutes. After that it needs to smell the ether again???
It always starts with no hesitation and with only a smell of ether just on a rag or something. Then it runs perfectly.

What should we look into first? Could it be a loss of fuel pressure?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

intake heater grids not functioning, heater grid relays not functioning..... if they were working you would know it with the use of ether

 

What would he be experiencing if they were working?

 

the grid heaters will detonate the ether before it goes into the engine possibly doing some damage... i have never seen it happen ,but just imagine spraying ether on a toaster....

 

I've have been reading some old posts and it sounds like he has been taking a big risk doing that.
I will start by checking that out for him.
Thanks for the help!

 

Its bad to make a habit out of that. Either is used only in a emergency situation.If you have to use something use WD40.I feel its the lesser of the evils