Spent the last hour+ re researching and found the motherlode of stripped allen bolt threads explaining the starter removal. I also feel really really dumb as I do remember(now) scoping this out 1 1/2 year ago, needing to access from the rear, under the car.

The bendix is stucking and needs 3,4,5X to engage, worse in cold weather, so it must be removed.

Embarrassed, but thanks,

__________________
Gary
Experience is something you get, Just after you needed it....
'99 E300 295K, '83 300D 220K, '75 240D 185K sold
'80 MCI Bus Conv DD 6V92TA, w/4 cyl. Kubota diesel GenSet 12.5KW