@Mike, txhunter2 , it sounds like you both may have a broken recoil. The spring has broken on txhunter2 recoil and on Mike's the flywheel engagement tang's have broken. At the link below I believe the whole recoil assy./housing can be replaced for just over $13.00. Good luck. See below links that may help repair/replace the required part. Good luck. I hope this helped you out, if so let me know by pressing the helpful button.
http://www.troybilt.com/equipment/ARIPartFinderView?catalogId=14102&langId=-1&storeId=10001#/Troy-Bilt/TB675EC_41ADZ67C766%2c_41ADZ67C766_TB675_EC/Engine_Assembly/769-08456-A/769-084560001
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eSWBmhlrxM
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