Yah sounds like your spring has collapsed it should be quite a bit longer than the pin itself in a free state. Just be sure there isnt another part of the spring still sitting in the end of the crank as nomobux advised. I'll save Dogman some trouble the p/n for the spring and pin is G70357-35, take a look at the picture on the cen direct page (www.cenracingdirect.com) and you will see what the pin and spring should look like. Also note the description is wrong it should be starter shaft spring, starter shaft pin. If this is the problem that means your original OWB is probably OK make sure you hang on to it as some point you will need it. Good Luck