Thanks.
 

Thanks for the ideas. I'll start with plug/points/coil/condenser/timing as they're all overdue anyway. There's always a danger of changing stuff and introducing additional problems, but I'm convinced that fuel probs are not at the root of this, so off we go.



The exhaust valve is a possible, but would involve breaking off head bolts, installing helicoils and the like and I'm not there yet, and Occam's Razor usually applies to mechanical stuff too.

I've noted the dipstick stop is loose. Will have to go look at my other 123 and determine the right position for it.

Found it!
 

Stepping away was the right call.

I took the Little Red Smoker (782D) to do lawn work, then went back to the stubborn 123.


First thing to check: Spark plug color. Guess what was only in finger tight?


(It runs well now, though it surges and surges , so I've got to mess with the governor stuff some). Not a puff of smoke though and it runs very smoothly for a 50 yr old engine.

Thanks for helping me think out loud till I got the answer.


John (the blind squirrel)

Glad you got it figured out :beerchug: Finding plugs only finger tight reminds me of doing the plugs on my girlfriend’s 97 F150 with the 4.6. Almost every plug was barely tight. Ran fine, but must have been real close to putting 8 fresh speed holes in the hood :biggrin2: