Simple answer is yes. Ether will wash down the cylinder walls and cause low/no compression. It is very volatile and if buildup happens and you get a spark it can/will blow the top out of a piston. Do people use it? Yes. Do they have success? Yes. Are they working on borrowed time? Probably. JMO
I just noticed you are using a Edlebrock 1406. I've had 2 of those go bad after a year or so. Don't know why, I'm an inpatient guy so I just swapped them out. Replaced with Holley and problems went away.
BTW, bartamos is quite helpful but can come off a bit abrasive if he feels the poster is not following his advise to the letter. He really is a good guy!
Thanks for that response, I don't have the can in front of me but it's the O'Reilly's brand "starting fluid." I haven't read the ingredients but based on your response I'm assuming this is ether. I bought two cans a couple months ago as it was easier than pouring gas in (though I have a little 4oz shampoo bottle I use to squirt in gas). My friend Roy who was in the first video swears by Holley, and I had a Holley in my Chevelle back in the 80's-90's that worked flawlessly. This is a change that is likely coming, but I'd like to try and figure this out without such a wholesale changeover like that.
As per concerning Bartamos, he hasn't asked any specific question I haven't answered, has only complained about my responses, and has offered no ideas. I might follow his advice should he offer some, but so far making cracks about my friend the mechanic does nothing but [censored] me off. I have so many questions on so many topics and so far this site has been great. My first post was a wiring question and I had a response from a guy that felt I was worth helping because I came back to the post with updates.
