no third gear

Reverse is working fine, when I move the rod all the way forward the shifts from 1st to second are really quick, if I move it all the way back the shifts are longer (higher RPM). It does seem to try and go into third when I let off the gas in the most forward position, but seems to be slipping, or going into a neutral like state?

One more thing, There is an eye hole on the throttle control valve, that looks like a spring or something should be attached to it am I missing something here. the eye hole is about 6-8 inches below the pinch bolt on the slotted adjuster link.

Robb