Getting Mauled...

Since I only have the Standard Edition, I don't get to fly that one; but I'll take a guess:
Have you made sure that your battery switch is on?
and your other electrical systems (i.e. generator/alternator) are on?
Sometimes it works alot better when you turn it on 😂 (just kidding).

If it cranks and "farts" around a little...maybe it's just a matter of adjusting the Mixture.

I as a 'real world' pilot know the value of following the checklist, which as I recal does mention master switch, mixture settings, etc. I have followed it to the letter and it is one bitch to start. More so than my real Citabria. It starts right away if I simply let FSX start it, but I like to pretend I have some input and like to start my sim A/C the manual way. DC3, Goose, Beaver, etc all start easily, the Maule however does not. Lots of cranking while fiddling with fuel pump, mixture and throttle rarely gets it going. 😎

Ya, I've had the same problem.
Happens to me after I've shutdown, saved and exited.
Come back day later and engine will turn over, fire, but not run.
Only fix I know is go out select "new" aircraft (maule), then do normal startup!
If ya don't want ctrl-E.

Thanks, I'll give er a try. It's kinda fun to fly very similar to my Citabria. Im looking at downloading the Citabria from RealAir... then they aslo have a Spitfire, Hee,hee.