Hi Jim,
I tried to post a picture of the drilled pistons, but the Gallery insists it is not a JPEG, which it is, and doesn't want to accept it. Anyhow, each piston has nine 1/2" holes in the top. The pistons do not generate any compression at all at cranking speed. I doubt they do when running, but I'll check.
Cranking speed is 200 rpm, which is a little low. I'd like to see it at least 250.
Compression at that speed is better than I suspected: 140 and 145 dry, and 180 on both wet.

I'll try starting on just one carb to test your not-enough-vacuum theory. Once it is running, that is definitely not a problem.

By the time the exhaust ports pick up any heat from chugging, the battery is near dead and has to be recharged. When it chugs frequently enough to heat the ports, it has enough momentum to start. At that point I'm too bussy fluttering the throttle and manipulating the choke to be able to get a hand on the manifold. ;-)

Dead cylinders are not getting any fuel - just oil splash.

I'll try out Ron Kwas' suggestions. If that doesn't work, I'll rig something to get starting fluid into the manifold through the plug hole in the side of the equalizer tube. If no cigar with that, I'll start hunting for a 6v. starter motor. By that time my driveway ought to be dry enough to drag out the PV and start prepping it for the jaunt down to Carlisle. You going?
CU,
Bob S.