Tach cable replacement

[Hatteras58]

I just installed an Acadian-rebuilt Hydreco on my 8V71 and cannot get the tach to work. It appears to me that the tach cable has been damaged and may be 1/4" or so shorter than it was previously (see attached pics). As a result, the tach angle adapter won't push in far enough to engage the cable. I removed the tach adapter (large hex fitting, maybe 1.5"), held the angle adapter in by hand, started the engine and got a good tach reading, so I know that the cable is turning. My question is can this short tach cable be replaced WITHOUT having to disassemble the Hydreco? I've spoken to several people, including Brian at Acadian, and the best answer to date is "maybe".