starter won't engage

[samt]

Hey guy trying to get me 81 wellcraft back on the water. Omc 800 full mechanical drive. Originally omc5.0, but has a 350 Chevy in it with marine accessories transferred.

Anyways, last summer I had some tuning issues and the engine backfired and busted the starter housing. I put a new one in and now it doesn't engage the engine. It just spins free. I do hear it click in and there is no grinding or anything.
It's a cheapo off amazon. 6562N is the part number. It is marine certified or whatever. Could I have a flywheel issue also?

 

[Bondo]

Could I have a flywheel issue also?

Ayuh,... Anything is possible,....

Did ya get the Right starter,..??

Did ya put the wires back onto the Right terminals,..??

 

[samt]

I pulled the motor this evening and found that the starter is the wrong one. It's a good 1/2" or more from engaging. Guess i better figure out what the deal is.