Welcome to the Culver Aircraft Forum

Hi Ben,
The engine should not 'kick back' when cranking.  It seems that the timing is not set correctly or you have a magneto problem (possibly a disengaged impulse coupling?). 
Do you hear a 'snapping' sound when you rotate the engine over, and is it consistent with rotation?
The magneto timing should be checked/confirmed.  If you want to try starting the engine on just the left mag, and then again with the right to compare that would help too (without requiring any tools).
My Cadet has a Franklin 4AC-199 and I use both mags when starting, the engine cranks over smoothly and starts quickly (usually in a blade or two).
Now you know this question is coming...what are your long term plans with this engine?
Best regards,
Joe

I've posted a photo on the website of Joe Maridon's newly finished Cadet.  Looks good Joe

Looks great! Where's it located?

I have no additional information other than what is posted on the EAA forum, if anyone checks it out let us know how it looks!
http://eaaforums.org/showthread.php?1482-Culver-V

Quote from: JoeB on February 10, 2012, 01:29:30 PM

Yes and yes! 
If anyone is flying past the Atlanta area on their way down I'm having a BBQ at my hangar on the 26th. I'll probably head down to Lakeland on Thursday

Where is your hangar in the ATL area, Joe? I won't get to S&F but might find you on one of my many visits to ATL.  Lived and worked there for years.  PR

That would be great!  I'm in Brookbridge Aerodrome, 8GA9

I've found that the gear retraction and lowering procedure is much easier to complete than I expected, but please explain this, exactly how much effort should the gear 'Locked/Raise/Lower' lever require to move from each of the 3 positions? 

The retract system in #246 is very smooth in operation when raising and lowering the gear, but I do find that the locking lever itself is bit heavier in operation than I anticipated (like the design has little mechanical advantage/leverage).

Hi Neal,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us all and for contributing so freely to this small Culver community!
My personal experience is in metal work and welding, the only wood wings I have ever built was when I spent hours gluing my fingers together with balsa models as a kid (which was probably good practice). 
I need to be honest I have some big projects going on right now, but I would love to take a look at the drawings and do my part to help keep these airplanes flying.  I think being able to offer a set of plans and a material list to current/future Culver owners would be a huge step in the right direction.
Creating a required materials/parts list and cost analysis is something I think I could complete in the near future.  But the next step after that, to properly prepare and start the construction of wings, is honestly 12+ months down the road for me.
If you think I could help in any way, I am willing!
Let me know your thoughts on this
Best regards,
Joe

Hello Everyone,
First off, thank you to those that emailed me with encouragement and status checks on my progress. 
I made it home tonight flying the Culver to the closest lighted airport (KFFC).   I'll go back in the AM and fly it to my hangar tomorrow (8GA9).
Had a great tailwind today, over 700NM in 7 hours. 
This was my first true 'cross country' and the first time I have spent anytime out West.  What a beautiful country we live in!  Total Culver Cadet time, Friday 17th to Monday 20th: 23.8hrs.  I am happy to be home!
I'll take some time to review my fuel receipts, logs, and thoughts and then write up a conclusion of the trip to post here.
Have a great evening and keep 'em flying!
Joe