[THEFERMANATOR]

I seriously doubt timing is your issue. If it was to far retarded it simply wouldn't want to idle and stall out at low rpm's chugging blue smoke. And I've run them at full advance at idle with no problems setting timing. What you're describing is a lean sneeze which most likely means the carbs and jets need cleaned then a link and sync, then set your timing. Also of note, MANY of these old outboards need to be rejetted to run on todays fuels. And you have one of the toughest set of carbs to rebuild and not ruin in front of you with that engine. They are largely plastic, and many carb cleaners can danage them. Make sure whatever you use is plastic safe, be VERY carefull not to overtighten any screws and strip out a screw hole, and be EXTREMELY carefull tightening the 4 bolts that hold the carbs to the butterfly's. More of those carbs are junked by improper tightening of those 2 long bolts than anything else.