Thanks for the various ideas so far.
THINGS CHECKED SO FAR. Eliminated ?.
Engine cold or warm, same issue.
Carby cleaned out and passages all cleared.
New accelerator pump plunger and full carby kit put in.
Pump plunger shaft moves freely inside carby, not bent, doesn't bind.
Vacuum advance works, metal hose pipe OK.
Suck on vacuum advance pipe and base plate moves correctly.
Centrifugal advance shaft moves in and out freely.
Dissy serviced and new cap, rotor and points.
Points set to spec's.
Muffler and exhaust pipe clear.
New fuel pump kit including diaphragm, valves and seals.
Added in-line fuel filter before fuel bowl.
Timing done static, but not 100% sure. 10deg ?
Any ideas on what to try next ?
The fact that placing hand over the top of the carby helps it to run better and rev, logically makes me think that it doesn't have a rich enough mixture or needed more vacuum to suck up fuel into the carby.
Maybe air getting in between the manifold and the engine ?
Tappet adjustments ?
Spark plugs are all firing but looking oily again.
If I use the block from my other motor, I want to check the compression first.
Do I need the top end on the motor to check compression ? or can I get a compression reading just with this ?
I have managed to turn the engine over by hand, however I'll need to put a starter in as it doesn't have one.
Craig, you did leave it in Park when you removed the steering column ? Trying to think of reasons why it may not crank over.
But number 1 question is,
can I get a compression check the way it is ?