After doing some digging, it looks like the HPI F4.6 engine's starter shaft is supposed to get pushed into the crank to engage it.
I assume here that the pull start is supposed to push the start shaft in when you pull the cord.
I think it's going to end up being the pull start.
Below is what the...
How much end play are we talking about, the start shaft will have a little, but not a ton.
It sounds like maybe the start shaft or the nub on the crank **might** be worn.
I would pull the engines backplate off and inspect the start shaft and crank end if you had to hold the start shaft in to get...
Check that the OWB fits into the pull start correctly.
If the OWB grabs the start shaft well when turned to the right and that will spin the engine over then it has to be a problem between the OWB and the pull starter.