I am asking behalf of a club member who has a 120 and had problems starting over the weekend.

Twice the starter hex rod became detached from the starter as the engine fired, the first time it got kicked by the prop 15 feet or so forward. The second time it kicked backward and hit the guy trying to start it! it also took 2 inches off both ends of the APC prop. It was suggested by those assembled he might try a Helicopter style starter that has a one way bearing in it and also a ball end (which would allow the the starter to be angled away from the engine) granted the bearing would have to be flipped to cope with the clockwise direction.

After reading your comment above re rounding edges I'd be interested for some advice to pass on before someone gets seriously injured

Thanks

JTW