Being from the 'Old School'....I have to catch myself because I'll hand start about all my engines if I'm not firmly reminded to use my 'Chicken Stick' (Large one from Davis Diesel'.

of course if my Moki 1.8 doesn't start in two or three flips, I send it back for repairs :-)

and yes, sometimes an engine will backfire - and some engines (my Magnum .91XL) CANNOT be started with your finger - at least all the marks on my chicken stick indicate!

Ya gotta know your engine......a starter (electric) is still the safest - an it only costs 1/2 the ER charges for Stitches!!!

Jerry