High compression motor cycle engines which employ a kick start, as well as high compression snowmobile motors which emply a pull start, also use decompression valves much like the cement mixer motor Dar remembers.


Granted, these are built for that specific purpose. Glow plugs, on the other hand weren't designed for this, but can be used for this purpose. It's not a bad idea for someone who's new and doesn't have a good feel for how to prime...or flood...their engine. Once there's a familiarity with starting the motor, it won't be necessary to relieve any compression.

In the meatime, for someone who's just starting..it sure is a lot easier, and a lot less discouraging than breaking pull cords, and fighting the thing like crazy with the thing when there's a little too much fuel in the case. I've heard dozens of folks new to nitro have a lot of trouble with this...it's more enjoyable when you can get the thing started and run a little bit...then learn to tune it..which is another learning curve in itself.