Yes Gary that is sometimes called bump or bounce starting where you bounce the engine backward (by using the spinner not the prop) aginst compression. It will bounce forward to start if you acheved sufficient prime manually.

That engine is one of the few that I can count on starting virtually every time when hand starting.

Whether or not its a good engine for you no one can say but you. Its old technologie in the sense that everyone these days wants small gassors. And it certainly is not economical in its fuel consumption by comparison.

It is a joy to operate and the gobs of low RPM torque is certainly fun. I love my single example and would love another perhaps the 2.1. But then agine I love flying my two little old diesels too! heck ya maybe one of the radial moki's.

Bottom line is whatever floats your boat and if its never been run I would not worry at all about it just sitting. Whether or not its a good deal no one can answer that but you.

John