I agree with the others that an electric starter is the way to go. I have an OS .46 LA and it is very difficult to start by hand, as it is very tight. I always use an electric starter. Once you get it running, it is a fine engine (although not that powerful). Buying a new engine will not solve your problem.

You do need to make sure your glow igniter is fully charged. When mine is weak, the engine won't start.