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FIRST START: 3/4/19
The first start didn’t go so well. In preparation I removed the valve cover, the distributor and fabricated a rod to turn the oil pump. I spun the pump with a drill and got oil up to the rockers. So far so good. I replaced the distributor, checking the timing mark and the firing order. I then added a little gas to the bowl via the breather tube and I was ready to go. The moment of truth had arrived. I turned the ignition switch, hit the floor starter and it started after a few cranks. The valves were clattering, the engine was shaking and quickly sputtered to a halt. I tried again to start her up and it results were the same. It acted like it was starving for fuel. I was both ecstatic that it did start but disappointed that it didn’t run so well.

Thinking it was starving for gas, I took off the carburetor, disassembled and re-cleaned with spray carb cleaner only to get the same results. After studying the downloaded Rochester Carburetor rebuild manual, I took off the carb again and found two orifices that were still plugged. One is in the throat where the throttle plate sits for the idle control and the other for outlet of the fuel pump. I thought for sure that I had found the problem. I reinstalled with the similar results. Very frustrating.
 
Still convinced it is starving for fuel I bought a gallon of carb cleaner so I could soak it for a few hours. I let it sit for the afternoon and this time it came out squeaky clean. Reassembled, reinstalled with exactly the same results. At this point I’m not sure what it is.

I read a few post in Stovebolt and one post hit me to keep it simple. I didn’t do much with the distributor aside from checking the points and checking for spark so I figured I would start there. I did a deep look and found that the rotor was a bit wobbly and the cap needed to be replaced. I wanted to get new points and a condenser also. Local parts stores didn’t have any of the parts, so I ordered them. Nothing to do but wait.