Starting a Raven II
I have had a Raven II for 2.5 years and had difficulty starting until an old timer gave me the two following techniques.
For a cold engine (first start of the day),
Push the mixture in full
Prime for 5 sec after the light goes out.
LEAVE the mixture full in and push the start. Motor should start quickly
For a hot or warm engine (even if the engine has been sitting for a few hours since the last flight)
Push the mixture in full
Prime for ONLY a second or two after the light goes out.
Pull the mixture out
Push the starter and slowly push the mixture in while cranking. When you hear the engine cough, quickly push the mixture the rest of the way in.