The clutch is inside of the large gear that mounts on the starter. You probably can remove the starter with the large gear remaining in the engine. There used to be a shop in Canada that rebuilt them. They no longer do the repairs as the unit is too prone to failure.

I installed the B&C starter and gained about 6 pounds of useful load. New starter has been absolutely bullet proof.

Well........kinda, sorta “in the large gear” Here are pics of a disassembled clutch. The sprags have a spring around each end and install on the shaft just beside the big gear.

Man you guys are amazing...this is great info...im gonna see if I can find one....Jimmie might be able to fix it....

found a new (used) gear clutch....there are about 7 different alternate part numbers....crazy...it was not that expensive, however, if I continue to have problems, I'll just buy a new starter. Some engine shops have them, but they either work or they throw them away. Not sure how to check the clutch prior to install, just to make sure it has tension etc if anyone has that info. but it does seem the new generation starter is the way to go cause Im already in this $275 already and no fix. RL