sounds like you proved me wrong about the wires
a sync and link is setting teh carburator linkages all in sync with the timing linkages. Getting everything set up right is the key in making an outboard run well.
first things first, do a compresion test, repair the wire(s) and check spark with a spark tester. Once you have determined you have compresion and spark, then pull the carbs off and go thru them. See if you can locate a factory manual for the sync and link set up