[mreid]

Sounds like you were running with a vacuum leak, so once it does get started you will need to adjust the carb. Also 10 degrees sounds a little light for that engine. I would run base at 12 to 14, but to the problem at hand. If it catches sometimes, but doesn't fire, it is probably fuel related, but don't totally rule out spark, just yet.

1. Make sure you have fuel in the bowls. Remove the air cleaner and work the throttle to make sure the acc squirters are providing a good shot. That's good fuel, not old. How old is your fuel as stale fuel can cause this problem.

2. Do you have an electric fuel pump? If so, turn it on without starting the car and look down the carb to make sure fuel is not dripping into the intake. This can be from too high fuel pressure (7 is on the edge for your carb, I'd rather see 6 to 6.5) or dirt under the needle seat. This would also explain your fouled plugs.

3. Check the plugs again and see if they are wet and fouled.

Let's start there.