How can I tell if my outboards are opening on a six pack?

Never remove the linkage from the outboards and run the car. If they open there will be no closing them. This linkage closes the carbs, the vacuum lines open them.

With engine off remove the return springs to the center carb and hold it wide open. Now open the outboards by hand and see if the operate smoothly and easily. They should, they’re will be a mild resistance from the springs inside the vacuum pods.

Easy way to tell, go run the car wide open for 5 seconds. Now un plug the vacuum hoses from the outboards and do the same run, is the car running slower now?

to add to Dana’s post, if you have to ask, they are not opening!
Thanks!

I need to make sure my timing is good first, because without getting too off topic, I can’t run it full throttle (or even above 3400rpm) without it acting up. One theory is that it’s running lean, but I want to rule out timing/ignition first.