1968 31 Commander 350Q timing

Well thanks to info found here I found the timing mark on my starboard or RH engine. It wasn’t even in the window where the distributor was set. As I turned the distributor CC it came into view. The adjustment is almost off the stop /restraint. The rpm dropped as the timing mark came into the window. With the pointer just on the leading edge of the hole( in the direction of rotation) the engine tends to backfire advancing the trottle but seems to run much smoother at 2000 rpm. (No load) I am looking at the mark via a mirror on the bulk head. If the mark moved ahead of the pointer (direction of rotation) am I retarding ignition? Behind the pointer advancing or just the oposite? From what I have read I am too rich at idle…. Time to get the carbs rebuilt.