Starter drive gear base rubbing on flywheel of Mercury 125 outboard

[mtnriverdog]

I have an issue with the Pinion drive gear engaging too high on the flywheel gear. This is on a 1995 Merc 125 outboard. Last Saturday had zero issues all day then Wednesday when I tried to crank it, the starter would kick in and the bending would engage and turn a little then bind up and stop. I took the flywheel cowl off and noticed tons of metal shavings. They where coming from the base of the pinion gear drive hitting the bottom of the flywheel. It looks like the gear is pushing up too high all the sudden. I thought maybe the little spring on top of the gear was worn out because it was mashed up against the top nut. I guess my question is, would a weak spring allow that gear to spin up too high? Or is there some adjustment to be made? Flywheel is straight and plenty of power. I loaded a picture. The arrow points to the area that is rubbing

 

[mtnriverdog]

Should have put starter problem in title. Anyway, can’t find an OEM starter so anybody have an opinion on Arco vs Sierra starters?

 

[GA_Boater]

Make sure the nut holding the bendix on is locked down.

 

[Faztbullet]

Go Serria….

 

[mtnriverdog]

Thanks for the responses. Found a OEM replacement online for $345. About 3 1/2 times aftermarket. Oh Well, the last one made it 15 years.