Hi Randy,
Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July and were able to check what suggested. In order to have spot on timing advance sync, will need to check these 2 pics which corresponds to the upper and lower throttle mechanism. Pics explains by itself. Although both pics are not from a 40C, mechanically applies.
Upper Throttle :
If Ball Joint (1) is worn out will give excessive side play to Cap C (2) when rod is moved sideways. Old ones are bronze color, newer are chrome plated which are better, wears less.
To remove Ball Joint just unscrew it CCW with wrench. If both 1 and 2 are found to give excessive side play change both. Grease when assembling new, If found ok grease old ones too.
If 1 is ok and 2 has too much lateral play, place a plastic tie & wrap around yellow line, pull hard so to strangle Cap C tight to Joint, this will help remove side play only if Cap C is flexible. If already hardened won't do the trick. When replacing Ball Joint, apply grease before is pushed down to lock Joint.
Lower Throttle :
Remove washer and clip pin from Cable Pin (2) remove Rod Joint (3) Check if (2) is severely scratched at middle portion (black line), will see lines, if scratches are light, not deep, sand it with sand paper till all lines are removed, if not, lines will abrade middle Rod Joint and will give excessive play to Link Rod. If (2) & (3) are found excessively worn giving too much up, down play when throttling, change both.
Check while moving rod up & down next to supporters (1) if there's too much side play, if so change both, check that throttle rod doesn't have lines same as cable pin, if so, sand same till all lines are removed, if not will abrade new supporter faster at middle. Grease cable pin and middle rod joint prior assembly, same for both supporters.
Happy Boating