Wow the starter ring is indeed intact good work.Just be careful with it they do and can get brittle,yours doesn't look that bad.I had one that when I tried to take it off it just crumbed in my hand.
I guess with all 3 of my VC-160's they are not going to be mowing any lawns,yes they will run but not mow.I guess that's why I went to the trouble of detailing everything the way I did.If I was going to use them that would then be a different story.
As for the starter,
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
The biggest problem I have found with these starters is the release lever No29.As it connects to a piece (which I think in that is No27) the dog release assembly.As that can be worn and then doesn't lock in and will cause the spring hub assembly No31 not to lock in and cause the problem you are having.So I'd look there first,it is a common problem as they do wear out.
Hope that made some sense.

Here for a good time,not a long time.