TRX 125 stator cover install

I just bought an 87 TRX 125 with a broken stator cover. I found the part, got the old one off fine but when I try to install the new one it hangs up on the left side where the coils go in around the starter shaft. It doesn’t feel like it’s hitting something solid. It feels almost spongy. I have no idea what it could be hitting to make it bind up like that. I know it’s not hitting the change switch because it’s not going in far enough for that to be hitting. It goes over the shaft for the gearshift fine. I’d appreciate any help you can give.