Hotrod Lincoln,
Thanks for taking the time to post the proper proceedure. Luckily enough, I was doing it that same way when my old tractor kicked back many years ago. I have never tried to start it in damp weather since.
I guess another thing to keep in mind is to try and maintain a posture or stance where you can shift backwards after you pull up. In otherwords, you don't want to loose your balance and fall towards the crank, just incase it doesn't release or does kick back. Or maybe brace yourself with the other hand against the grill?
