I'm pulling my hair out, I can't seem to get the throttle linkage back on right. I must have something backwards, when I hook it up the carb is in WOT position.

Is the dash lever in the idle position? If not, because of the governor, it will be in the WOT position.

Yes the throttle lever is in the idle position

Seems like the governor has moved. The throttle return spring will hold the throttle closed until I try to hook up the throttle linkage, that puts it in WOT. I'm pretty sure I'm going back the same way it came off but I'm missing something.

There is not throttle return spring. Post a pic.

The spring is on the linkage from the carb to the governor.

That picture is not helpful.... try again from a different angle.

Looks like your missing the plastic bushing at the carb for the linkage.... but yes, that little spring can hold the throttle plate open. When it starts the governor will shut the throttle plate.

When I put the intake back on & started it, it ran WOT. No throttle control at all. The linkage has a "S" on the carb end that hooks to the throttle plate.

Another pic

The linkage