Installing a new hood release cable for my 1980 245DL. I've done this job before - successfully - and did it the same way this time. Previously used a cable marked "Gemo Made in Germany", had no issues, worked great for a few years until the entire assembly (cable and sheath) needed to be pulled to get the hood to release. Installed a new part from FCPGroton - isn't marked with a maker. I have it adjusted to barely require any cable movement to release the hood, but the handle won't budge without a lot of force and then the entire sheath slides towards the firewall until the hood releases. Isn't there supposed to be movement of the cable within the sheath? Seeing how I installed it the same way as the previous one, I have to conclude the cable is junk. I have the bracket tightly holding the sheath against the fender with the white handle up to the firewall, I have the bracket behind the grille holding the end of the sheath up to the body, and the wire end is looped through the release without any slack with the hood closed. The release bracket/spring at the latch moves normally (not rusted stuck). Am I missing something? I already sent one back to FCP because it looked rusty when it arrived.

Zack
1980 245DL M46 296k
1988 745T+ M46 242k