Homelite 330 Repair Questions

[Henry Finley]

I picked up a Homelite 330 this past week in good serviceable condition. I wanted one, just because one like it I had got lost in the heart attack (while using it). And it was my first saw. Anyway, I've got a new boot in, but there are a couple problems to address. I'll start with this one: The starter assembly has a problem. Many times I can pull the rope and nothing "catches". I'm just pulling the rope that doesn't do anything. I've noticed that the round dooflotchie with the 4 teeth, the teeth are a bit rounded. I figured it just wasn't catching the cogs on the flywheel good enough and slipping off. Maybe it's slipping because the teeth are worn rounded. But studying the assembly, the starter is supposed to have some sort of a hair pin spring in there. Mine doesn't have any such spring, or lever, or whatever it is. Could that be the problem? What does that spring thing do? Make the round thing with the teeth pop out better? Sorry for my non-technical terminology. I'm actually a good mechanic, even if I dn't know exactly the name of a part. Thank you.