The hot start button can help starting but mine can snap shut during the kick.  Sometimes I hold it open with one hand while kicking.  I pulled the valve out, cleaned and inspected but see nothing wrong.  Is there a trick too keep it from closing on its own?

I never use the hot start, just a gentle kick with the throttle wide open and it always starts

The trick is to use the hot start AND hold the throttle open, usually starts first kick, then the hot start button conveniently pops back in from all the vibrations!