'...but it cant replace the glorious smell of burnt oil and deep rumble of a radial, which even after shut down still talks to you with the pings and creaks of the engine cooling down.'

Aw, man, I love that. Those few words took me right back to the days when I enjoyed aviation. Excellent post.

I have about 2500 hours 985s and 1340s and we never pulled the props through.

800 hours 1830s on a Dak - always pulled 'em through.

1200 hours 1820 on Trackers (Firecats) never pulled them through.

Never flew the DC-6 but was around them LOTS and they never pulled them through.

Now, counting blades on the starter before ignition, another story. Always.

The Warbirds organization have put together this report on the subject. :cool: