Radial engines hard to start
Back in the 70s, i hauled auto parts around the eastern u.s. in a beech 18. I never had any trouble starting an r-985 ONCE I GOT THE HANG OF IT. heck, I didn't even know how a radial engine worked. I would look at it and wonder how those cylinders could work together to make the prop turn. I had no clue until one day I looked it up. For me starting was a matter of feel more than anything. As best as I can recall, the printed matter said Don't pump the throttles, but I always pumped the throttles and I believe most everyone else did too. Nothing scientific. You just had to get the hang of it. That's my two cents worth. Mannrice46