Starter solenoid troubles

[J-440]

 I have a Powermaster mini-starter with 160 cranking amps.  The motor only has 8.5 compression so this starter is suffice. The battery is also putting out plenty of cranking amps. The problem is that when the starter gear pops out, then spins, it does not make contact with the flywheel.  I've tried a longer spring, washers/spacers, as well as a screw at the end of the spring to try and get the gear to kick out farther.  No luck.  It's a new starter and before I send it back, I would like ya'lls opinion.  Thanks.

[MrSnicks]

Can you adjust the "clock" of it?  Some mini starters fit multiple applications so the starter housing can be rotated/clocked so the bendix gear engages the teeth of the ring gear.

Got pics?  Can you compare the location/angle of the bendix gear when bolted in compared to your old starter?

Patrick

[J-440]

 This starter is in a fixed position so it's non-adjustable.  I don't have the old 15" long 80lb. starter...thank God to compare it to.  What's even stranger is I had the exact starter, same model number on this car for 8 years before it crapped out, and it worked great.  I got my wife to turn the car over while I was under it and the gear just doesn't pop out all the way.  It's flush with the edge of the flywheel.  The only thing I can think of is that I got a bad motor, even though this thing is only 2 weeks old.