Snipedog is the engine mounted in an airplane??? If so make darn sure it is secured some how (do not try to start by yourself and just holding with the other hand) next do you have a way to operate the throttle" you can do it with the RC system or you can do it manually by operating a push rod to the engine.

Now before operating that starter and you need a helper since its necessary to push the starter hard aginst the engine/airplane and will want to roll backwards. You need to keep both of your hands on the starter (this is A biggie). Now do not just push the starter aginst the prop and pull the trigger. First move the prop backwards till its just up aginst the compression (clockwise) now apply the starter cone to the prop or spinner and only hit the trigger when you are lining up the starters motor shaft with the prop shaft of the engine and pushing hard.

John