Looks like the two 'Eks' might be 'pulling through' the prop.
The 'Tarp' over the engine is one of the standard, silver-grey coloured, rubberised canvas types.
The object in front of the aircraft's wheel might be the upper fuel tank, with the straps on the bottom visible, or might just be a pack of some type ( looks like both tanks are on the ground), which is standing in front of the wheel as viewed. Don't think the wheel itself is covered.
It may be that the heads are off, and with the tanks removed, and the engine being rotated by hand, one scenario could be moisture contamination in the fuel system and / or cylinders, but I guess we'll never know.