Might well be the carbs, which have run generally rich. There's also a fair amount of play in the throttle shaft. I don't think they've ever been rebushed.

I'm certain of TDC and timing, having checked it several ways, including using the rockers. I even spun the engine on the remote starter with the No. 1 plug out and my finger on the hole. The compression jibed with the spark. And I can recite the counter clockwise firing order in my sleep. Static timed to 15 BTDC and checked with a light.

The plugs have been wet when I've pulled them (everything has been in and out, on and off repeatedy). But if it's flooded, I can't clear it in the usual ways.

I suspect that either this is beyond my realm of experience (carbs, valves or something) or something so stupid I'll be hitting myself in the head when I figure it out.

I promise no holiday suicides. They tend to cast a damper over things.

smm