Sorry, forgot to reply.  I talked to Wayne and got some parts.  I can't say that it is fixed, but it is a lot better.  Will have to do a little more diagnosing and figure out how I can make it great again.

My kick starter on my 1949 model L has a brass bushing between the kick starter axel and the kick starter.  It is kind of like a sleeve that slides into the hole on the kick starter and over the kick starter axle.  I have looked at the manuals and I do not see that part anywhere.

Was this a restoration thing that someone before me did?  Is this original and my manuals just don't show it?

My kick starter has some play and does not engage super well and the only way I can see to fix it is to replace the bushing.

Any bits of knowledge would be appreciated.