[sneuman]

I have a one-cylinder Volvo Penta MD1B in the boat a boat recently. I can''t think of a more basic question to ask, but as I know nothing about engines, here goes:

I put the compression lever down to start, should it stay down while in operation. I''ve been doing it that way simply because lifting it again stalls the engine, so I assume that''s bad. I just want to make sure I''m not wrecking the engine.

Also, no matter how hard I try (and I have tried!), I cannot get the dipstick out. Can the oil level be checked by looking into the oil hole?

Many thanks,

Scott