47 A Starter Grinding

The new to me 47 Model A starter grinds occasionally. I took the flywheel cover off to have a look. I couldn't tell much before the rain started(too tall to fit in the shop). The bendix looks like new and the PO said he had replaced it. The ring gear has been flipped, the outside is chewed pretty well.

I watched a YouTube video of a guy who took a starter out. I noticed there appears to be a lever that helps push the bendix out. Do those parts wear to the point they don't line up well?

I've rebuilt plenty of starters over the years in garden tractors and old Ford trucks. This looks like a big dog.

What are the common problems with these? I'm just looking for some advice before I try to tackle it.

Thanks in advance,

Mike