Usually, the engine flywheel. A solenoid in the starter moves the starter pinion shaft forward (or backward depending on how it is mounted to the engine) to engage the outside edge of the flywheel (which has teeth to match the pinion gear).
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Yes, but only if you can crank engine at normal starter speed.
Then why did you replace a perfectly good starter? ALWAYS test old parts and know what you're doing BEFORE you start throwing new parts at a problem. Find out WHY it isn't starting. Does the starter engage and turn the engine? IF it does, then the starter is probably fine. If not, check the starter, battery, electrical connections, ignition switch and neutral safety switch. If the starter has ALWAYS engaged and turned the engine, you should not have changed the starter in the first place; instead, you should be finding out what's wrong.
Usually when a starter solenoid/relay switch is bad, you will hear only a click and the starter will not spin (crank).
your battery is dead or the starter solenoid
Sometimes, brand new batteries need to be charged for a while before they have the power to engage the solenoid/starter properly. The battery may have enough jucie to light up the headlights and run the stereo, but not to crank the engine.