Throttle control linkage question on a '73 9.8 merc 110

[Okie archer]

Hey guys, I just bought a little fishing boat and it has a 9.8 mercury 110 on it. The guy I bought it from said he was issues with the throttle, rpm's not changing properly ect.. Anyway I was checking it out (I am not experienced with outboards, I am GM master cert. in engine mechanical so I take my chances with it) and found that the throttle linkage shaft was wobbling in the mount on the bottom cowl when you turn the tiller handle. Everything was covered in 30 years of gunk so I removed the gear from the tiller end to get a feel of what was wrong. Long story short I didn't paint the gears first (between tiller gear and the gear on bottom of throttle link shaft) and now I'm not sure on where to set it going back together. I got a new bushing for the linkage and it tightened it up.
I haven't had a chance to run it yet, so I have no idea if this will correct the problem but it was an obvious issue that needed attention. I'm ordering a service manual for it, but is the timing adjustable on these? It has a timing tape on it so I assume so, if there are issues with engine performance (I don't know what boat mechanics call it, basically ignition and fuel) on it I may need to get a little help. I'm not used to working on point systems and carbs. I do have all the test equipment and tools so maybe when I get the manual and do a little studying I'll understand more about whats going on with it.
Another quick question, is the water inlet on this motor the hole with a louvered cover over it that is under the cavitation plate? I was looking on the sides hoping to hook up muffs but couldn't find anything. The flush plug on the top confuses me, removed it and the hole is plugged like the case wasn't even drilled. Not sure what it's used for though, I'm a noob.

Thanks in advance for any assistance

 

[Okie archer]

Re: Throttle control linkage question on a '73 9.8 merc 110

Okay, getting a better idea whats going on. I think the reason the idle would stick high is because the venturi was loose in the carb! It was getting stuck behind throttle plate. Ordered a new one along with a gasket kit. Hopefully when I get it back together and test it everything will be good.