For the recoil; remove the 4 nuts holding the recoil assembly on. remove the assembly the oil dipstick will come out too. under that is a post that if you tap it may allow the recoil rope to work again or replace that part. it has a series of ball bearings that without lube just lets the rope pull thru without engaging. as for oil being bone dry try refilling with oil once it will pull start and hope for the best. if it was given to you you willonly be out the oil
bruce
August 2010