In addition to Rodney's suggestion - if the belt is too tight, it will also put too much drag on the motor - which will cause it to start and work harder. I can start with the take up lever in any position on all of my well running machines. The belt should be only tight enough that it doesn't slip. Anything else creates more load and heat on the motor.
To figure out if you have the right direction on the needle, the side with the scarf - also the flat side of the needle shank - will be on the same side as the tip of the hook. If the needle is too far to one side or the other with it oriented correctly- you may have something bent or misaligned.