<VV> Engine Starting Problem

[HallGrenn at aol.com]

Thought I'd throw this out for some feedback.
 
I hadn't started my Greenbrier for some time (it wouldn't start) and I was  
about convinced I had bad gas, dirty carbs or some other fuel related  
problem--the ignition is good with fresh wires, plugs, points and condenser and  
a good coil and distributer.  It fires right up if I use a quick squirt of  
starting fluid (which I really don't like doing).  I had planned  to hook 
up a marine gas tank tomorrow (Sat) to confirm my hypothesis before  draining 
the tank, but last night I decided to shift it to keep the neighbors on  
speaking terms and I went out to crank it a few feet forward.  I forgot to  
engage the clutch at first and when I cranked it it fired up immediately 
(after  sitting for weeks) and then died after about half a minute and wouldn't  
restart.  So maybe it isn't the fuel.  I've been doing my own tuneups  for 
over 40 years and this suprised me.  
 
Any thoughts on something other than sour fuel?
 
Bob Hall
Group