Hi all, struggling on a couple of things I could do with some advice / sanity check with:

Refitted my engine today, after a lot of huffing and puffing finally went in and appears to fit as I think it should. However when I try to fit the starter motor it simply will not go back in and the car appears to be in gear, can't push it very well as appears to be in gear.

Clutch cable is not fitted as i've noticed the clutch return spring has snapped - I know the starter motor would have disengaged but I expected it still to go back on.

Any ideas what to do re the starter or is it as simple as replace the spring, fit the clutch cable shortening kit and Bob's my uncle??

Really appreciate your help, thanks!

the starter should go in regardless  it just has to go into the bush and then fit the top engine bolt. The clutch lever return spring is easier with the engine out as you can see more and have better access and with the circlip off inside the bell housing and bush location bolt out you can slide it side ways to give the spring ore room to move as most times the arm is seized solid onto the crosshaft and will not come off or on without damaging the bushes or shaft.

Thanks Snoopy!