New helm control

[lifespan]

I just received and installed my new merccruiser gen 2 helm controller. Shifted nicely but after putting the upper cable guide on, it is fairly stiff. I took the guide off and it again shifts really smoothly and without a lot of effort. Any ideas? Will it shift better after running either in water or with ears on? The guide is spring loaded so to speak. I assume that it needs to be on there. Is this an adjustment issue?

[mmwjr]

I am not familiar with this control but will ask is the cable new? If so when you ran it may have to sharp of a bend somewhere. If its an old cable maybe it just time to replace it.