RE: Whats wrong with my starter?
The Hobbico PowerCore 12 volt Starter Power Pack that Rugrad is referring to is a small 12v 1.2 ah gel cell type battery which attaches directly to the starter. You can actually get a replacement battery although not the normal 7ah cell (too big for the power pack).
In my experience, these batteries have lasted only a season or two at best. And even so, they're not much good at engines much over 50 size. Also, when it's cold out, forget it.
Positioning the prop as far away from compression to get a momentum thing going is a good idea as siclick says, but I wouldn't start the starter away from the prop.
If you get the replacement battery, don't expect much more than a couple of seasons.