Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Small Engine, briggs and stratton, pinion gear

Question
John, I have 18HP Briggs twin vanguard model 350447, type 1195A, code 97020611.  It was running briefly then sputtered and stopped. Now when I try to start it, the starter just spins and screams but does not turn the engine over.  Is the engaging (pinion) gear gone or is it not just engaging.  I tried WD40 and banged on the starter with not luck. If the starter is bad, is it possible to replace it without removing the shroud? Thanks

Answer
 Hello Mike:

 On Some of These Starters you can Reach the Mounting Bolts Without Removing the Blower Housing. Depending on Whether the Starter has the Horizontal or Vertical Mounting Bracket. The Vertical Mounting Bracket Requires the Removal of the Blower Housing and Sometimes the Removal of the Flywheel Also. The Breakdown/IPL for this Engine Shows the Horizontal Mounting Bracket, so the Blower Housing May Not Require Removal. This Depends on the Starter Length. There are 3 Different Starters for this Engine. They are 4 1/4", 4 7/16", and 4 13/16" Long.
You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Addy http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Click the B. Then Select Briggs and Stratton. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Select File # 35. Then Select Folder # 350400. This will Download the Breakdown/IPL for this Engine. The Starter is Shown on Pages 21, 22 of 36. If you are Replacing the Starter Gear; Look at the Gear and it should be Marked for THIS SIDE UP. Don Install the Starter Gear Wrong or it will Work for a Short Time Only. Then you will be Replacing the Gear Again. If the Gear is Still Getting Stripped; Check the Ignition Switch. It May be Engaging the Starter while you are Operating the Engine and you Wont know it. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John