Problem starting 1995 90HP Evinrude Outboard

[fisherguy]

So for the last few months our 1995 90HP Evinrude has been giving us intermittent trouble starting. It's like the starter won't engage. At first I thought maybe the flywheel was missing some teeth and so when it would happen to line up with the starter it wouldn't spin, but after reading a bit it seems more like the starter gear isn't moving up to engage the flywheel.

I took the cover off hoping to get a look at the flywheel but after removing the first cover (3 screws) nothing is exposed and it looks like I have to take the second cover off that is held on by 10+ bolts. Any suggestions?

TIA for your help!

[boats.net]

Looks like you will need to remove the 10+ bolts to view the flywheel and starter drive.