Query about gearing...

[Steve Jones]

PS I’d ditch the air filter.

That at would be my first elimination test, and then I'd try simply swinging the distributor whilst wearing a stout glove

s
ce

That's it, Charles. I once tried a simple carb trumpet with a mesh to keep the bricks out. Strangled the thing like you can't imagine. Still think it will revolve around timing be it ignition or cam. Timing gears dotted incorrectly aren't unknown as are timing gears assembled a tooth out. Yes, there are many more complicated things that can cause problems but this is a fundamental problem and the issue will.be equally fundamental. Simple things first.

Steve