Many thanks for the clear explanation CM
As an aside, I also watched the end of the Homelite starter repair video
I was given an identical one one to fix after the owner was told it was not repairable in a shop. I said this is why, undid clutch housing, clutch drum, shoes, got the starter off, rewound, checked for damage (nothing visible)
All back together in 25 minutes, owner marvelling at how stupid the shops are.
I said no they are right, watch this, one pull, two, three (fired), four and bang there goes the starter again. In the parts pile
I think it has something to do with the 3 small metal tab retainers which retain the starter pulley. They are a good enough engine whilst running, I use one regularly although you have to be careful to pull the engine over compression otherwise the starter won't latch.
However, I will refrain from tainting this Victa thread with homelite