Finally got the primary cover off and find this. The gear is easy to push back in, guess I'll soon see what is going on inside.

 

So the curved piece is supposed to be underneath and not sitting in there sideways?

 

What gear are you talking about? If there was supposed to be a picture attached to the post it isn't there.

 

I can see them fine

 

The pinion gear should be completely clear of the ring gear when the electric starter is disengaged.


Be careful pushing/pulling that pinion gear - you could inadvertently engage the starter. If you haven't done so, it's a good idea to isolate the battery before working on the starter.

 

yep, all disconnected, thanks.
Went to local battery/starter shop. They didn't have the rebuild parts in stock, so got them ordered. The curved washer that sits under plunger, had gotten twisted a bit, which caused it to come up alongside the plunger, and that is what was holding the starter gear engaged to flywheel.
I must have over tightened the battery cable to starter and spun the piece inside. ? Weird, that it was still starting because that had been 3 or 4 weeks ago.
Also found the crimp on fitting at battery (positive cable) was loose enough to be pulled off easily.