Alpha one lower shift cable confusion

[Richards crappy boat]

Will a alpha one gen 2 lower shift cable work on gen 1?

 

[Fun Times]

Older Merc shift cable part number 865436A02 goes to newer part number 8M0176524 that fits MC-I, R, MR, Alpha One & Gen II (1978 and newer), https://www.mercruiserparts.com/865436a02-cable-assy-shift

 

[Richards crappy boat]

Older Merc shift cable part num

Older Merc shift cable part number 865436A02 goes to newer part number 8M0176524 that fits MC-I, R, MR, Alpha One & Gen II (1978 and newer), https://www.mercruiserparts.com/865436a02-cable-assy-shift

Here's why I ask. I have a 87 bluewater 350 mag Alpha one gen one. I purchased a cable from lfs .seirra cable # 18-2603 on my alpha one gen 1 . Moving the cable by hand it goes into reverse and forward gears just fine but I can only get 5 and a half inches between the barrel and end of cable. I'm stumped. Wrong cable? Install failure? Upon looking at the box it's says it's for gen 2. I'm on a steep learning curve with boat mechanics and pretty frustrated!

 

[Fun Times]

Looks like the aftermarket part number 18-2603 is the wrong type do to Installation placing into the bell housing as long as nothing else has been modified over the years…You should need 18-2190 as it’s for AFT installation into Bell Housing. “For use in applications using core wire with armored strand construction (No Support Tube). For S.N.6225577 & Up. Condition: New. Product SKU: SIE-18-2190. MPN: 18-2190.

OEM Merc cables have a process to convert installation designs.

For: Mercruiser #1 Drives S/N 1562900-6225576. The fitting on the far end of the cable threads into the forward side of the bell housing. Has old style stranded core wire with soldered tip. (Uses support tube 18-2160) 63" conduit.

Note: For serial numbers 6225577 & UP see 18-2157

 

[Richards crappy boat]

Looks like the aftermarket part number 18-2603 is the wrong type do to Installation placing into the bell housing as long as nothing else has been modified over the years…You should need 18-2190 as it’s for AFT installation into Bell Housing. “For use in applications using core wire with armored strand construction (No Support Tube). For S.N.6225577 & Up. Condition: New. Product SKU: SIE-18-2190. MPN: 18-2190.

OEM Merc cables have a process to convert installation designs.

You sir are amazing I appreciate the time you spent helping me out.