I have a craftsman riding mower with a 20 hp Briggs engine. The starter gear has gone south - I bought a new starter from Amazon and started to replace the old starter complete, but can only get one of the two starter mounting to the block bolts out - the second of the two is in an almost impossible place to get to remove it - any suggestions please - I am a 100% service connected combat Vietnam Veteran without much money and diabilities that make it difficult to replace hard items as this - any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

JN Walker

Can you return it, you do not need a complete starter. Your gear is called the bendix and can be replaced for about $15, reuse the existing starter motor.

Don't go to the problem of removing the flywheel. Just remove the two bolts that
Hold the starter to the engine block. While one is exposed the other is a pain, but
It can be done. I just finished removing mine this afternoon. I have an MTD with
A 16 hp briggs and stratton.

Hi,
Is this a V-twin or an opposed twin. If it is an opposed twin, there is a recess up in the bottom of the flywheel that you line up with the bolts(one then the other) and loosen them into the recess.
Pesce,
Clarke