Charlie. You said you get spark to the number one plug. I have run a braded ground line from my engine to the frame. I am a ground freak since bad grounds continuously give me trouble. Are you sure the distributor is right - not 180 degrees off? You can check this by pulling the #1 plug then turning the engine until you feel the compression - check the rotor direction under the distributor cap. Oh. Make sure you have the plug wires in the right order.
As for fuel in the carburetor. I will shoot a little starting fluid in my carburetor when mine is hard to start. I do not put gas in it.
And I would plug the vacuum wiper end of the plug in the manifold.
I hope this helps. Let us know
