ORIGINAL: MTK
There are several threads on this engine. There is quite a bit of difficulty some have had in starting the engine by hand, myself included But some reports have been positive.
OS recommends a starter for a reason...FWIW2U
Spoke to the product manager in the Hobbico/Great Planes booth at the AMA show this past weekend. He stated the O.S. ignition module requires a minimum of 120 r.p.m. to fire so a strong, fast flip is needed. This is why a starter is recommended. Same issue on the GT55.
Someone in another tread stated the ignition module is now being replaced with RCXel. He said that is not true although some fellows are changing to RCXel for easier hand starts but O.S. units retain the RPM minimum for safety and work just fine.