Is my soft start working properly?

If you’re not getting any kickback then I’d say it’s working as it should. Don’t overthink it.

I started it from sitting overnight 90F oil temp and again after flying and sitting for 1 hour 130f oil temp. The first start I could not tell a rough to smooth or RPM change transition. On the warmed up start I think I felt it smooth out a bit but it was very subtle. If I hadn’t been looking for it I wouldn’t have known.

My ignition modules are both yellow tape, 966729, one is 14.1115, the other 14.1301

Sam Purpura wrote:

If you’re not getting any kickback then I’d say it’s working as it should. Don’t overthink it.

I agree on the overthink part, problem is I don't know what "kickback" feels like, maybe I am experiencing it. Can an engine kickback and still start?

There is nothing subtle about it.
Like getting kicked by a mule, You will know it when it happens.
Kickback breaks Sprague Clutches and Starters.
In the hand propping world, it breaks bones.

The soft-start modules are not a fancy luxury item.
The same applies to Impulse-Coupled Magnetos in the Continental/Lycoming world.

I have occasionally used a different starting technique where I crank with the ignition switches off and after 2 prop revolutions turn them on. The prop has inertia and the engine starts much smoother. Am I doing any harm doing this?