Dra)

it is the 43T/18T - orderd from ebay today - $46 - thanks for the heads up - coulda made a costly mistake

I see starters on amazon and try to get the product with the most positive reviews

is there a solid brand of starter you recommend?

battery turned neutral light on but was badly rusted at terminals - will get new battery

before I pour a buncha cash into this thing, tell me if this plan is sensible - remember, I am a novice - my "plan" may be idiotic

1) buy/install starter and starter/idler gear - $100

2) buy battery - $50

3) inspect/clean carb - throttle cable is rigged but operable from what I can tell

4) haven't yet tested spark plug for spark

5) can't I jump this thing with a screwdriver using solenoid once battery is in?  i'd rather try this first to see if it'll at least turn over and there ain't no grinding in main part of engine, then can purchase ignition switch w/ key for $15-20 on amazon if I decide to pursue it; if grinding / other stuff heard, i'll try to piece out the parts or take it to scrap yard

sorry for double post - still learning how the site works.  was trying to respond to shadetree's comment about the starter.

No sir, not an entire engine - although that likely would take a lot of headache away.  What would you sell an engine for?  A couple hundred bucks I imagine.  I wouldn't think this machine ain't worth but $300-400, if that - it doesn't run yet.  I've been looking online at starter gears - around $40-50 - but I gotta make sure there ain't more going on in the innards. 

If your electric start piece was available I might be interested in that.  It also has no driver's side brake handle/cable apparatus or front light (wiring is there but no light or frame to hold light).

No sir, not an entire engine - although that likely would take a lot of headache away.  What would you sell an engine for?  A couple hundred bucks I imagine.  I wouldn't think this machine ain't worth but $300-400, if that - it doesn't run yet.  I've been looking online at starter gears - around $40-50 - but I gotta make sure there ain't more going on in the innards. 

If your electric start piece was available I might be interested in that.  It also has no driver's side brake handle/cable apparatus or front light (wiring is there but no light or frame to hold light).

new to site AND atvs.  picked up jacked up 1986 fourtrax 250 off craiglist - engine end of starter shredded to pieces, which flattened a few teeth on the idle gear (see picture)

I think it's called the idle gear - it has inner smaller / outer larger toothed wheels - one wheel connects to the teeth on the starter - I know basically NOTHING about engines, gears, etc. but am learning.

shoot me a price.  i'm only a few hours north of you.  send pic when can - I need to do some measuring to ensure it's the right size. 

** also shoot me prices on carb (only if original) and front light if available - I have no idea what contraption carb is on this bike at present - see picture