Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Starter gear will not engage flywheel, motor shaft, starter button

Question
B&S 7hp Intek OHV SBSXS 1901VE Starter motor works fine. Gear will engage approximately 2 times if I raise it up slightly on the motor shaft, then if just falls to the bottom of the shaft and will not engage.  It worked for about the first 6months after purchase. Mower is approx 3 years old. Engine runs great.

Answer
William
What it sounds like is the starter
A starter motor plunger mechanism can become stuck so the gear on the starter does not engage the flywheel. You may hear a whurring noise, an electrical hum or a slight click. Those mostly indicate a broken or "stuck" starter engagement mechanism. On some models you can take off the starters 3 or 4 bolts and try to move the engaging gear. Give it some oil or WD-40 to help free it up if it's frozen. That gear is normally away from the flywheel and on pushing the starter button it moves forward to engage the flywheel to get motor turning over.