Rudi,
can't thank you enough - brilliant accounting and i just printed it out for reference.

thanks also to robin and L.A.B for your help.

i'm using the original cable that came with the bike when i bought it because the aftermarket one only survived for one install - when i tried to adjust the abutment to the gearbox, the threads stripped.

at least i swapped the ruber boot from new to old but the issue of stretch comes to mind.

the story goes on and on but i think you get the picture at present.

Brien