Might see if I can find one that will work at the local auto parts store. Like I said before I'm not a mechanic but I'm pretty sure it didn't jump timing. Not going to rule that out completely though. Going to run it with the fuel cap off when i get home.

using clean fuel? Not the 2 yr old stuff?

It's the old fuel but it was doing the same thing when the fuel was new. I would like to get the old fuel out though. Can I use the electric fuel pump to get the old fuel out? There's about 30 gallons in the tank. Don't want to burn the pump up.

I would buy a used separate one to do that. Not real difficult.

Get the old fuel out, run it in your lawnmower. Fill with non ethanol 91, new fuel filter and some sea foam. Bet it clears up your problem. 2 year old fuel could have phase separation.

did you roll the engine over while having the valve covers off to confirm consistency of intake and exhaust valves? Is it possible to have a lobe or two or lifter wiped out? Vacuum leak somewhere? Where did you set timing? Distributor gear look good? Last resort pull timing chain cover and make sure your marks line up.

try replacing the coil.

Do a compression test. You probably burnt a fire ring (headgasket) between two cylinders.

Right on. I meant to mention that earlier also. Good call.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Got most of the fuel out. Went to the local auto parts store and picked up a hei distributor. Got home to put it in and it wouldn't work without splicing wires so I returned it. Going to order the parts to rebuild the thunderbolt. The sensor in it was rusted and nasty. The coil was the same way. Going to get that and new plug wires to see where that gets me. Hopefully that'll get it running right. If not those parts look worn and rusted and probably will go out soon anyway. Going to order the parts this weekend. I'll get back on when the parts come in.

Thanks