Good callout, I did make sure it was on. I'm using the one that came in the oem kit, so I'm assuming it's a good one.
Your terminology sometimes gets me...so let's double check a few things. Your low idle circuit screw, how many turns out is it? When you do the link and sync....the step of when the butterfly's open, that is supposed to be at the two notches on the timer plate...some have one.
You never want that to be on the right of those notches when staring at it from the front. On my 85, Evinrude service bulletin, you can be up to 1/2 inch to the left. They really want that timer plate moving first. That's also the low idle adjustment.
Can you confirm?
To check the reeds, hold your hand over the carbs and see if gas is spraying on your hand.