i've removed the cap, but i cannot get the rotor off. i've looked at the replacement rotor and i can see where the retaining screw is located, but i can't rotate the old rotor to remove the screw. can i turn over the motor (it won't start without the cap & wires plugged in) to spin the rotor and hope it stops with the screw exposed? i can't imagine this is the proper method.

 

you need to bump the motor till you can see the screw which should be facing the firewall

 

Hitting the starter for short bursts is an acceptable method of aligning the screw, but it can take a few hits to get it right. I prefer to turn the crank by hand; there's a cut-out in the splash shield to insert a socket/ratchet.

 

Just as if you were doing a valve adjustment...