there is supposed to be a lot of slack in the cable.
the measurement is taken on the solenoid.
remove the rubber cap and measure the depth of the center piece.
if you hear a clack when you push the button followed by a click of the stater relay a half second later, it's probably ok.
too tight and the lever won't pull up.
if you're not sure, looser is better.
when starting, it should start on the second or third rotation and should never stall.