Bill, I REALLY like your conclusion (since we manufacture rebuilding kits)!
However, as a general rule (obviously, your case was an exception):
(1) compression test
(2) redo the ignition (or at least test it)
(3) THEN look at the carburetor.
Having read all of your comments, my guess would be your properly setting the carburetor float level was the action that solved the problem.
Glad you now have it fixed.
Jon.
