OK, hard to keep up with everything here.
I have no gas tank, just the engine on bare frame. I am running with a 2 gallon gas can on the ground nest to the front tire with a length of rubber fuel line dropped in and connected to the inlet of the fuel pump.
Yes, the 1960 engine originally came with a solenoid operated starter, but I switched it over to a foot starter to match the 1953 1 ton body.
Yes, the ignition wire runs from the switch to the coil. The foot starter has a permanent positive connection to the battery.
Yes, I made sure to align the spacer and gasket with the hole in the bottom of the carb, and the nuts are as tight as I can get them. It's a rebuilt Rochester carb from Jim Carter.
The engine has never been running since I have owned it. I bought it not running, immediately tore it down and hauled it off to the machine shop (PMI in Jefferson City, MO). The block was cleaned (I think baked, not tanked), cylinders bored out 40 over, crankshaft turned, new camshaft, new hydraulic lifters, new pistons, rings, all bearings, head magna-fluxed and pressure tested, new valves, valve guides, valve seats, springs, keepers. New radiator, water pump and fan, new hoses, new thermostat, alternator, fuel pump, oil pump, plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, points, condenser. New clutch disc, resurfaced flywheel. About the only thing from the original engine are the block, head, connecting rods (checked, bored, and new bearings), and flywheel/pressure plate. Assembled with all clearances checked with plasti-gauge, all good, turned smoothly, good ring gaps. Everything should be fine. And it does run, very well for a minute or so.
New gas (from the cans I use to run my tractor, which runs well).
As far as I can tell the floats in the carb float, although I didn't check that when I had it apart. More and more I am thinking this is a carb issue, possibly float/needle valve causing it to flood out.
I am taking today off from the engine. Too hot, 90's and heat index of 100, and I need to get away from this for a day to get rid of my frustration! I know I will eventually get this figured out, but it's hard to keep perspective. And I'm worried about the camshaft. Although I'm not sure what happens when a camshaft is not run in properly. Does the engine stop running? Blow up? Not last as long as it should? Screw up valve adjustment?
Thanks to all who are trying to help me with this, I really appreciate it.
Tim
