IMO starting fluid is like lots and lots of other things ... a good practice, but a bad habit.  If you have compression, a shot of ether will start it and clear flooded plugs.  I used it for years and years in the auto repair business with NO bad results or side effects.  Don't use a whole lot, and don't run on it for any significant time.  A shot to clear floods and determine if engine is capable or running.
Just a theory .... Jim S.

Ed Anderson wrote:

I presume you ignition timing is set correctly and the correct wires are on the correct plugs.  Since you are using a carb, it could be an air leak, but if you put fuel into the intake it should have started and ran until exhausting it - so not certain its your air path. Did you do a compression check?  Do you get the usually "whoomp" sound when you pull the prop through?A bit more information would be good. Ed Ed Anderson
RV-6A N494BW Rotary Powered
Matthews, NC

----- Original Message -----

From: Finn Lassen

To: Rotary motors in aircraft

Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 2:28 PM

Subject: [FlyRotary] Won't start

 Tried to start my just overhauled engine.
Did cough a couple of times after I dumped a bit of fuel  in through the intake ports.
There is fuel  in the carb bowls.
May have an air leak somewhere in  intake path.

I think I read not to use ether, but use WD40 instead?

Should I spray some Marvel Mystery Oil into the cambers to get better sealing?

No more time to experiment today, so any tips for tomorrow are appreciated.

Finn

--
Jim Sower ... Destiny's Plaything
Crossville, TN; Chapter 5
Long-EZ N83RT, Velocity N4095T