OMC Shift Cable bent

I have a new to me 1986 Lakescraft pontoon with a 3.0L OMC. Just received a new shift cable in the mail and found the core wire has a bend of about 18 degrees where it stuck out of the sheathing as it was shipped. It is about 8 inches from the drive end. I can feel it dragging when I move the wire in the sheath. It is hard to quantify how much drag, but a 10 ounce weight tied to the end pulled it out when the cable was straight but not when it was coiled like it will be when installed. Should I be concerned? How much bend is too much? Everything I read suggests that OMCs are really sensitive, and the cable was quite expensive. Thanks.

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