Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): sears riding mower, metal pin, terrible sound

Question
Hopefully you can help me out here. Everyone else seems to be too stupid to know the answer. My rider won't turn over (start) due to the following problem. When I try to start it, as I press in the clutch, the starter seems to work but as it goes to start there's a little mechanism on the starter that comes up (with like a little flywheel on it, with teeth) that is suppose to catch onto the teeth of a big flywheel to get it going. Instead of starting it, it comes up and just makes a terrible sound. The teeth (when the 2 flywheels meet) are coming together but doesn't seem to be engaging right. It's like the teeth on the small flywheel on the starter are worn down or something. Is it possible for these teeth to wear down or is there suppose to be something around these teeth (like a piece of rubber or something) that broke off? Do I need a new starter or can I just buy a small flywheel gear (if that's the problem)? Can I start it another way by rigging it up somehow? I hope you can understand my question. I'm a female by myself and I have no one to help me. ThankYou! My email is: ezeerider3957@aol.com

Answer
Hey EZEERIDER, this is easy.  You need a new "starter drive"  that's the little gear on the starter.  The gear will cost about 5.00.  If your gear is held on with a metal pin going through the top of the starter you just have to knock the pin out with a punch, replace the gear and drive the pin back in.  If the gear is held on with a little metal ring it will be much harder.  I would recomend removing the starter and taking it to a Briggs dealer.  It will caost about 25.00 parts and labor.