1975 300D (W115) has an OM617.
It’s a Bosch reman starter from ACDelco. Ordered direct, not storefront, chill the hell out. I still have the starter that came off, I don’t turn in cores until I know without a doubt the new part works. It is 100% identical. Minus the slightly differently cocked nose cone. I mean maybe a degree or two. It’s the correct part number. The internals are identical. It bolts right up, fits perfectly, but when I turn the key the solenoid engages and it spins, but for some reason doesn’t engage the flywheel.

I’m asking here for help because maybe there’s something I’m missing before I go to Jimmys on Bumass Avenue and pay out the ass for an overhaul.

So, back to my question, if the nose cone is cast incorrectly, even a degree or two, will this block the starter from contacting th flywheel?

And if so, is it possible to gut the old starter and transplant the good hardware?