Starter motor cog fell off.

[Revvy Kevvy]

I can see that the cog has fallen off, when I try to start it just goes wirrrr. Trying to remove the cover is worrying me. I understand the ignition timing is all connected also so I am reluctant to remove the front cover.
Any easy way to remove this or am I making it more complex than it is.
The wires are stopping me being able to pull the cover out, I don't want to remove the front bit incase it needs some timing marks to be set up

 

[tstidham]

No timing stuff under that engine side cover, just the alternator. Disconnect the wires and pull it off while fishing the wires out with it. Obviously pay attention to how the wires are routed and clamped. You'll want it off to clean up the gasket surfaces anyway.

 

[Revvy Kevvy]

Thank you Tstidham, I will give it a shot today and see how it goes. The wires need cleaning up too. Then I can reattach the starter motor...

 

[Revvy Kevvy]

Well, that worked ok, thank you , I got the cog back on.
What a miserable job, having to remove half the cables then remove the starter motor and now slide the cog back on...but its on