RE: Pull Starter issue
I would tend to agree with those that have suggested the OWB is the problem.
But, there's usually no need to get a new one. All they usually require is a good cleaning. The bearings tend to accumulate oil and dirt and the rooler bearings in them quit moving freely and fail to grab the starter shaft. Cleaning will fix the issue for a while - til it gets dirty enough again...
As far as not wanting to tear it apart, get used to that, it's just a part of the hobby and nothing to be afraid of or even worried about. Like Nike says, Just do it!