ML12
ArboristSite Guru
For the recoil, its a Fairbanks style, so if the cup on the flywheel is worn then the teeth on the starter won't grab it consistently.Also still having trouble with the damn recoil. Catches when it feels like it last start, ripped the cord out. What a crap design.
Also it needs to be clean and not oiled on the friction washers.
I usually find those two things are common issues. I bore out the cup on the lathe and then turn an insert for it, usually about a 0.005" interference fit on diameter, then mill some slight grooves and they grab every time.
If you don't want to order replacement friction washers, you can make them, but its a pain.