Re: recoil starter
OK, you probably don't have the equalizer cup/spring/spindle assembled properly.
The equalizer cup is the piece that the pawl springs hook to. Inside that is a coil spring. Place the cup on the spindle and get all the coils of the spring up on the step of the hub before inserting it into the pulley.
You DO have the 3 little springs on the pawls, right?