I have two DA-50Rs both with XOAR 22x10 props, Slimline Pitts muffler, running ethanol free fuel, Bel-Ray HI-R @ 50 to 1 and new Duralite batteries regulated to 5.6 volts.

I have had 5 + years of no starting issues on both of these engines, make lots of power, idle good etc.

Engine one: Just back from DA after being overhauled tends to start rich or even flood on second start to the point I turn the ignition off, open throttle and flip it backwards 10 to 15 times, turn on ignition lower throttle, flip 6 - 8 times and it starts very rich into a 4 stroke but will eventually clear out, idle ok and make good power in flight.

Considering my experience with engines fresh back from DA being rich, I have been leaning the low and high needles to get proper start but not too lean in flight. Last weekend after another flooded start and flipping until my arm gave up<-did finually start and fly, I decided to go back to square one. Back in the shop decided to re-set both needles to DA suggested start point, I discovered my low needle was at 3/4 turn out and high was at 1 turn out, seems this should have been way too rich. I have re-set needles to 1-5/8s low side and 1-7/8s high side,new spark plug, fuel lines and filter but haven't run engine yet

I have hundreds of flights with this engine, couple flips choke on, pop, couple flips choke off, started and ran great. Now I have this flooding issue, What am I missing.


Engine two: On first start after sitting a week or two I might have to flip it 20 flips or more to get fuel up to the engine, Pilot Sback. Once it pops it will start and run ok. But man, 20 flips<my arm starts giving out.
I am starting with throttle open a few clicks, choke on.

Any constructive information would be appreciated.
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