I went for a ride in a 421B sunday. When the owner started the engines I noticed he did not turn on the pump to add fuel like I do with the baron, rather he hits the start button at the same time as running the (priming)pump. It did not start until around 10 or more revolutions..so I was wondering why can't you just run the pump prior to staring like the IO550? is it really that different? My Baron starts in 1/2 of a turn every time. I would love to hear another opinion.

I have about 750 hours in 421b and c models and I was taught to start the engines in a very similiar manner to the way I start my Bonanza. Throttles forward, Prime, reduce to cracked throttles and engage the starter. Always worked for me in a few blades.

Was the engine hot ? Sounds like the hotstart procedure for IO540 Lycomings.

Greg, thats what I suspected, but I bit my tounge. When the fuel flows were 4-1/2 gallons apart and 200 degrees difference on climb out though, I had to start splainin.

Florian, No they were 60 degree (ambient temp) and been sitting a week.