Craftsman Starter Gear

[MONTGOMERYLAWN]

I HAVE A CRAFTSMAN RIDING MOWER ABOUT A 92 MODEL, THE STARTER GEAR WORE OUT AND I AM TRYING TO REPLACE IT. oN TOP OF THE STARTER I PULLED THE SPRING BUT IN ORDER TO PUT THE NEW GEAR ON THERE IS A PIN ON THE LOWER PART OF THE ROD THAT KEEPS THE GEAR FROM TRAVELING UPWARD. i CANNOT GET THIS PIN OUT. I HAVE TRIED HAMMERING BUT NO LUCK. ANY SUGGESTIONS.

THANKS,
LAWNMAN

[Fish]

Post your engine's model numbers but it sounds like you have a
Briggs. Have you removed the starter? It is easier so you can
put the end in a vise. You need the correct size pin punch as
well. If the end cap holding the spring is plastic, you will probably
break it and need the kit, but look at the helix for damage as
well. Look and see if the ring gear on the starter is metal or black
plastic, each takes a different gear. Let us know.
Fish