Long story so I will try to capsulize it. Running fine for a long time. Suddenly started whistling noise when I was coasting; if I stepped on the gas the whistle would stop. I assumed it was vacuum causing the whistle, but wasn't sure where it was coming from. Then started running rough. To me it seemed like a dead miss, but at high speeds it seemed OK. Then I couldn't get it to idle. Rebuilt carb with no help. Bought a new carb and drove it for a few days. Coming home the other day I could barely make it up the hill. Now, again it won't idle unless I choke it, and then of course it is fast idle, and running real rich. Put the old carb on last night, and same results. I can't believe I am having this much trouble with a one barrel carb, so I think the problem is elsewhere. Compression is kind of low, but even at 110. I did a leak down, and didn't hear anything obvious. Tune up performed. Now last night I was using the remote start switch to check cranking vacuum, and noticed sparks jumping around the front face of the starter. Not constant, but random, and at different spots. Anyone experience this before? Seems to spin over easily. Maybe I have an ignition problem, and not fuel? Grabbing for straws at this point. Any ideas will be appreciated. Engine is a 240.

 

If you have spark jumping, it wil cause poor running. Make sure the wires in teh area you saw light are separated out and insulated from each other. Also look to your plug wires, they may be dying out. You could also spray some carb cleaner around the intake when it's running to see if you have a leak in that area.
--Mike