My soft closers are around 8cm including the housing the closer plunger protrudes about 2cm when door open.
It sounds to me either it's fitted in the wrong place [too far forward], the plunger is not retracting fully, or the soft closer is not the right size for that door and is for a unit door/draw that requires that extra length plunger. Mine aren't adjustable I assume you'rs wont be either.
Bob
November 2010