DanH wrote:

I'm obviously not an AC mechanic, but I
thought I could see a reduction gear in the cowl.

That was probably the flywheel -- they have toothed edges to mesh with the starter.
If gears are used for a reduction system, they are likely to be enclosed in a
housing; you wouldn't be able to see them.

George Patterson
If you want to know God's opinion of money, just look at the people
he gives it to.