Lawnmower Pull Cord Ball Bearings Westwood 11hp

The pull cord would not turn over the engine, took the engine cover / pull start unit off, and this shaft span freely both ways (It should spin freely one way, and lock the other way).

I removed the cover plate off, and there was so much thick grease that the ball bearings had been stuck away from the shaft, rather than rolling back. I cleaned the bulk of the grease off, and have filled with an oil for now.