Electric start system are usually OK starting without holding the gun open because
with a long hose on hose reel, the water gets to "expanmd" the hose, as the pressure comes up.
..If you have a portable e.s. machine, with 50 ft of hose on it..
you will stress the electric starter to overcome the pressure as it ramps up too fast for the engine to start making Horsepower.
If you have a big system with lots of hose, and the engine hesitates to start.. you still have a problem
My recommendation is..
..for you tank-fed guys.. add an EasyStart valve, but set it up for easy troubleshooting in case it fails..
plumb it with a hose directly back to your holding tank,
in a location where you can look inside and easly see if the easyStart valve is bleeding.
..same as your unloader.. for easy troubleshooting :{)
For you portable system guys..
a VERY easy way to troubleshoot an EasyStart valve..
squeeze it's bypass hose with a pair of pliers with the trigger-gun open..
.. if the valve bleeds water, the hose will swell up.. remove the valve, and get back to work.