RE: mk17 starting problems
Proportions of fuel mix is correct if you have good components. A little amyl nitrate might help.
if you have poor quality ether double up on the ether and up the oil content. Most consumer availabe ether is 25% ether and 75% fillers. A more pure form of ether (over 75% pure) works best. Here we have John Deere starting fluid which is reportedly 78% pure.