Re: back to basic's starting over
Check you timing and your mixture. Lean mixture can result in misfiring, and rough idling. Richen the mixture until you get a smooth idle.
Another thing you may want to do is a cylinder balance test, to check which cylinders are firing and which are not. At idle, use a pair of insulated pliers and gloves, pull of each wire one at a time from the plug. Listen for an rpm change, no change = dead cylinder, cylinder not firing. If the rpm drops = cylinder firing, good cylinder. When you pull the plug wire listen for the spark jumping to the plug. No spark, then there is your problem. If you found dead cylinder that is getting a spark, then I would do a compression test to determine what the compression is. Low compression may be due to misadjusted valves?? hopefully not internal engine problems.
If you have good compression and spark at all cylinders, but still misfiring in certain cylinders you can also check for vacuum leaks. Then chances are the misfire is fuel related. Spray WD40 or even carb cleaner around the intake gaskets of the dead cylinders and around the carb and listen for rpm changes. Change in rpm means vacuum leak. A vacuum leak will cause a lean condition which will result in a misfire. I have done this numerous times on cars, make sure you do it in a well ventilated area, and make sure all the fumes are gone before you put the doghouse on, or it can be dangerous.
Good luck, and have a great day,
Rob.
