Is this the old design with the starter clutch? If so replace the clutch before it seizes, kicks the rope out and breaks the spring. You can sometimes buy a little time by squirting WD40 or something similar around the seal.

Is the starter clutch in the rope assembly or is it the part that holds the fly wheel on.

jeeper

pull the dog housing housing off,.Pull the rope. does it return? The spring will either be broke or still have tension on it. So the rope should recoil quickly. If it hang up the starter rope maybe hard.

If so, Pull the rope all the way out, clamp it down with vise grips. cut the knot at the spool, pull the rope out. retread a new rope in and tie the knot.

Now to the slip clutch. remove the screen by removing the two little screws, pry or lift off the three ball slip housing top. look inside and see if the balls roll around easily. if the balls hand up it will make a squealing noise. they are one way balls, roll out when you pull the rope and catch the square that slips in the winder so you can turn the engine over, once the engine starts the ball roll back releasing the pull rope assemble.

The spring in behind the winder only retraces the pull rope if the three ball inside the clutch is working correctly.

If it don't work after than find another housing assy at a flea market.