Hi gtrman,
To help answer your question, I have just pulled one off a mower so I can see how it works for myself and may help you with your issue.
The pull starter should still work as it is a separate unit within itself.
Having taken mine off and looked, you may have the holding clip and bracket in the wrong position. See photos below: -
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The legs of the clip should be either side of the long leg of the metal post of the bracket.
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The above is looking from under the bracket.
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This shows the legs of the clip in the recoiled position.
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Make sure the rounded end of the holding clip is under the metal bracket.
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When you pull the cord, the holding clip moves to the space in the holding bracket and allows the gear to move up the screw to contact the gear under the flywheel.
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The holding clip rotates under the metal holding bracket and moves back when the cord recoils.
Hope this makes sense.
Cheers
Daryl


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