[MBZ] ring gear spun on f/w

[Van Cleve]

Any one ever had a ring gear that came adrift from the flywheel?  I 
bought a parts/fixerupper manual, "77" 240D (from a list member 
actually) knowing it had a toasted clutch and a starter problem. I 
pulled everything apart yesterday and the clutch material came down 
in chunks and powder, (gag)  I have a flywheel from a parts car that 
I will use as I think the original f/w would be ruined because the 
ring gear spins around quite freely.  I am wondering, simply out of 
curiosity,...  the toasted clutch and the "spun" ring gear must be 
related, but how?  The car couldn't be driven with either one of the 
problems.  This isnt a rant or complaint, its going to be a nice car, 
just wondering if anyone has had this problem.  BTW neither the 
original or replacement F/Ws have alignment marks (except mine) so 
I'm just bolting it up and hopping for the best :-)

Regards
        Steve
"85" Euro 240D, 5 spd manual, 110K
"79" 240D, 5 spd manual, 20K on eng rebuild
"94" Dodge/Cummins PU, 100K
"64" VW Bug
"65" D15, AC tractor