coincidence or did i cause this,

[spareparts]

First, get the engine running, disconnect both cable from the shift plate and manually shift it from fwd to reverse(using the cable to the drive) making sure it will go both ways(engine running prop spinning), then put the cable in full forward position. Set the length from the center of the barrel to the center of the eye end on the cable to 6 inches. You will have to hold some pressure on the cable to keep it in full forward gear while you measure it. Don't change anything on this cable from here on. Put the shift cable on the shift plate in its original position(closest to the pivot point of the arm). Engine still running, use the shift arm to move the cable back and forth, still making sure you get forward and reverse. Then put it in forward, move the shifter to forward position and adjust the shift cable from the shifter to align with the shift plate. Now think about the shifter being a clock, with the handle straight up for neutral(12 o'clock) you want forward to go in by 10:30 and reverse by 1:30. Adjust the cable from the shifter to the shift plate to change this, do not change the cable to the drive from its original 6 inch measurement. If it moves too quick(11:30-12:30) you can lessen the amount of movement by changing the cable end in the slot on the arm