ORIGINAL: ballgunner
You should NEVER put your finger over the exhaust while turning the engine with a starter. A few flips by hand with the carb open will do the job. Assuming the exhaust has a pressure outlet connected to the tank you can blow things apart if you turn the engine too fast, as with a starter. This is especially true with 4 strokes but can apply to 2 strokes as well.
The method described by pt19flyer works best and with less risk.
No doubt. I do believe you. However, when its about putting yo finger over da hole, it's on there for an instant, something like this:
The burner on your stove is on but you don't know if it's working or not. You ever-so-briefly touch the element with your finger and pull it away. That's how long I cover the exhaust hole. No boom yet [>:]