Craig. Likely your shifter isn't in the relaxed (inner) position. You have to start from the beginning. Release the cable anchor bolt on the derailleur. Reposition the derailleur according to the manufacturer's instructions. You should have only a few mm of air gap between the largest chainring and the derailleur cage when it's extended over the outer chainring. The derailleur cage lead edge should be parallel to the chainring plane. Etc.

Next, release the shifter to the most relaxed position, usually by clicking the small lever until it won't click any more. You may have to pull on the exposed inner cable end to assist, not sure on older Shimano.

Then re-attach the cable to the binder bolt, pull it snug, and tighten.

There are YouTube videos that show this procedure, I've just given a summary explanation.