NG,
I too flew the D-18S, about 40 years ago. I also remember someone wrecking 2 R985s by cranking them over with ign on, after a long shutdown. (N5883C)
As to whether to hand pull, or crank on starter, my memory may be clouded by some years of R2800 operation on CV440s and DC-6Bs. I tend towards crank on starter, but not positive due to passage of 40 yrs.