I have the same problem with a Clark CGC70 w/ Vortec. I posed the question here awhile back as when you start cranking there is no spark for the first couple of revolutions on the crankshaft meaning seriously extended cranking time before the thing will actually fire up. I was told this was to prevent pre-mature ignition or some such. I seem to remember some horror stories posted about blown valves and such. I told my operators to deal with it but it's **** on battery life.