Is this your first nitro car? If so, dont get too down on yourself. Nitro engines are about the most finiky engines out there. After you get a bit of tuning experience under your belt, it wont be a problem. There is a learning curve.
I suggest reading tuning articles on the 'net or some R/C mags publish special nitro only issues with beginners info. I suggest reading them. Once you get the hang of how these things like to run its easy.
If you are new and like to experiment, just make sure you have a good visible smoke trail at wide open throttle without it hesitating or stumbling (which is too rich). As long as you have good smoke, you are in no danger of going lean and hurting anything. You may foul a few glow plugs, but that comes with the territory when you are learning.
I wasnt meaning to put you down for using a bump box or electric start, but I think once you get some nitro time under your belt you may find a pull start more convenient. At least I do. If you actually get into road racing you may decide not to use pull start to keep the extra weight off the car, but thats a different story
Have fun!
