Pull won't Recoil on engine. Works fine when removed. Snapper mower w. Briggs

1990ish Snapper riding mower with 12 hp Briggs engine. Recently the recoil became sticky and now it won't recoil at all. Removed the cover and it recoils fine. Lubed everything up and reassembled and same issue. Seems the crank on top of the engine is not "ratcheting" as freely as it should. Any advice?

Thanks!