is the fuel leaking out that little hole on the side? If so you need a new primer diaphragm which can be bought as a separate kit. after 96 Mercury started registering the serial # in the yr they were sold not made. here is the link to all the serial #s for your motor. The $130 carb kit is not...
If its a red plug you can find those all over. You don't need one off of a 35 any of them will work. Newer ones may have extra wires in them but should work.
Put up a pic of the right and left side of the transom bracket. also Put up a pic of both sides of the powerhead. Even if you find the manual screw sometimes they are stuck. So put up all the pics
https://www.marineengine.com/parts/mercury-outboard-parts/200
https://www.marineengine.com/parts/mercury-outboard-parts/200
https://www.marineengine.com/parts/mercury-outboard-parts/200
Look up your serial #