The best way to pull start the 500 engine is to grab the handle with both hands and jerk like hell! This way it wont slip back and rip your hand. This is the ONLY way I will try to pull start one any more! Had the handle rip out of my hands too many times until I wised up. It doesnt matter even if you try position piston just past tdc or just before to help take the load off,it can still bite you! OPT

 

You may have a decompression problem, the 500 motor has a decompression valve,my SP500 is easier to pull over then my 350 Big Bear was because of it.

 

what do mean by a decompresion valve?

 

OLD POSTS,but to answer your question,its not a valve,but a decompression lever on the end of the cam that opens the exhaust valves a little (lowering compression) when trying to electric start or pull start. The500 can still rip the pull handle out your hands if not careful. OPT

 

you ought to try mine wth 11.5 to 1 compression, I keep a good battery and starter in it cause likeOPT said it will get you