It hard to get help when no-one even knows what engine,
HP , yr and model number.
i assume you mean the timing plate, but description is poor. you can see complete diagrams and part #s here. http://shop2.evinrude.com/ext/index.aspx?s1=bf6ad09c53cead335fcfd8a6471c0f7f
take a picture of it, and a full picture of that side of the motor so we can see where it is.
take a picture of it, and a full picture of that side of the motor so we can see where it is.
That rod adjusts the idle by changing the timing at idle. It's setting (at idle) has no effect on top end timing (full advance) at all.
Look your motor up on shop.evinrude.com and go to the "cylinder and crankcase" section. I believe you are talking about part #91 and #81 and all the parts associated with the "spark advance link".
Just go to a newer year. They changed the design but they all do the same thing.