D2 starter pinion drive trouble

So I've been messing with this 3jD2 today. I got the pony running but when I went to engage it. I wasn't able to engage the pinion drive gear. It's stuck hard on the shaft. I tried heating it with a torch whal the pony is running. I've tried forcing it back with bars. All with no luck. I did however get the release paws to free up. So my next option obviously is to pull the pinion drive. So I've got the pony off and it's out as far as I can get it. I know I'm supposed to engage the pinion gear before I pull this but that's the reason I'm pulling it in the first place. It comes in contact with the injection pump. Anyone encounter this issue?

Some folks have had to remove that end housing of the governor. Since you can't engage the pinion, I think that's your option to pursue

Thank you. That's exactly what I ended up doing. I hadn't been in the governor box so I wasn't sure what I was up against in there. It really wasn't that bad.