[tommyboy]

You need to rely on your basic mechanical skills ! If you can not easily find the problem, then go through each system of the engine and prove the system is working as designed then move on to the next system! Note the differences, what changes occur between a static and dynamic engine i.e. temperature, air flow, vacuum, cylinder pressures, timing, etc. Check the easiest systems/circuits first, prove them good, write everything down and move to the next system. A single carb application is common to all cylinders so carb problems should not affect only cyl #1. Primary and secondary ignition circuits seem in order. Timing also seems in order. Make sure you have checked every aspect of the engines mechanical integrity thoroughly! Prove it correct! If cylinder #1 is the only dead cylinder then check every component involved that would cause a problem with cylinder #1. A compression and cylinder leakage test along with a visual of the rocker arms should check the mechanical integrity of components for cylinder #1. While performing a cylinder leakage test rotate the crankshaft through one or two complete cycles and note the rate of leakage and sounds coming out from the carb, crankcase and exhaust. Make sure the spark plug is properly positioned in the cylinder head (depth) and in fact is the correct spark plug for that particular head. Make sure there is no airflow restriction from the carb all the way into the cylinder and out of the exhaust system wher they all become common again. Use your vacuum gauge!! Just make sure you can prove each system, cicuit and or component good before you move on. Good luck!! Let us know what you find.