Is it possible to remove the plastic cog without removing the starter motor from the Vanguard Briggs & Stratton engine as previous posts suggest it is difficult to remove starter motor.

Thanks

Personally I don't find removing the starter on a Briggs verticle shaft engine difficult at all. If this is a riding mower engine, there are only two mounting bolts bolting the starter to the block and one nut holding the cable on. You may also have two small screws holding the plastic cover on that covers the starter gear. But, you'd have to remove that anyway.

Removing the gear can be tricky. But with the starter off it is much easier.