I had to pull the spring loaded gear cover back with a long thin screw driver and then power washed the whole thing as well as I could. I then used WD-40 with the red tube to get up and into the cover as well as the spring and gear. Like I said that was over a year ago and we have very dusty conditions here. I also power wash my tractor after ever use but not the starter. I raise the hood and spray down each side panel as well as the area behind the gas tank and down into the steering unit area. I do this before the rest of the mower and you won't believe how much crap comes out each time.
