Tornado,
I did go through the Amals before fitment looking for swarf or other debris and didn't find any. I also took the bowls off the other day thinking this might be a problem and marked .21" down below the top of the bowl using a vernier. My results showed that the fuel level was in both was pretty darn close to .21, although I did not use a water level set up like you suggested.
I have not checked the timing with a degree wheel; never done that but I suppose I'll give it a try if the other things you suggested don't work out.
I'll recheck the ground from the Boyer, but I am pretty sure it is good.
I did replace gaskets and made sure not to over torque manifold connections, but I will check for leaks especially at the balance hose.
As for the needle position, I put both in the middle, but I don't think that should have any effect on starting or idle, right?
Battery, air leaks, Boyer ground, and then timing confirmation. We'll see...
