Abstract: A starting system for an internal combustion engine includes a starter motor and solenoid mounted within separate, angularly spaced receptacles of a reduction gear housing. The starter motor drives a reduction gear within a the gear housing, which, in turn, drives a pinion gear on a shaft. The solenoid controls a retractable rod which selectively pivots a cantilever arm within the housing. The pivoted cantilever arm pushes the pinion gear shaft against the action of a coil spring, which urges the pinion gear into engagement with the engine flywheel ring gear, turning the flywheel ring gear. The solenoid also acts as a switch for the starter motor. When the engine is started, power is removed from the solenoid, which causes the rod to extend, pivoting the cantilever arm in the opposite direction, and allowing the spring to withdraw the pinion gear from engagement with the flywheel ring gear. A plurality of strengthening ribs give the housing strength with a minimal weight addition.