Starter motor mesh

Hi y'all!

I am in the process of getting our 66 valiant running after fitting a 273 (67 I think) and 904 trans. I have fitted the starter (can't remember if it came with the motor or not) and it does not appear to mesh with the ring gear? The ring gear does not seem to be worn.

The socket inside the bellhousing that the starter nose fits into is clean, and when bolting up the starter I have pulled it away from the motor at the top. There are no other obstructions that I can see. I have tried to push the pinion toward the ring gear with a small screwdriver and does not mesh. I have also tried this with and without the metal starter shim plate.

I also tried a new mini starter that I keep as a spare without success

I thought one starter fits all in Mopar world...?

Any ideas?

TIA:thumblef: