In this video of some P-47 Thunderbolts starting up, they pilots seem to have a devil of a time getting them started, and even after thay start the have a propensity to quit.
As well, they often admited puff of smoke after about 30 seconds. I know radials are smokey after on startup, oil pooling in the lower cylinders etc. But why the puffs?
It also seems that the Merlins on the Mustangs start up and go much like a modern engine.
Thoughts anyone?
YouTube - P-47 Start-up