Did some "clean-up" stuff over the last few days...
Ever since the new engine, I had a great idle, but it would diesel/rattle off the line. Timing was clearly off, like the distributor's vacuum advance. Thanks to the intarbutt, I realized I was pulling vacuum from the manifold, not using a ported vacuum source from the carburetor. I switched sources, and watched the vacuum advance lever...what used to be full-on all the time, now adjusted with throttle input. I still haven't timed the engine (just listened) but made adjustments and the engine runs much better now!
I ran it for so long without proper timing...hope I havent done too much engine damage.
Also, if you look in earlier posts, you'll notice I struggled with startup issues. On Friday, I had the truck out doing errands, and it wouldn't start when I was in a parking lot. Had to finagle the key just barely to get the ignition to trigger...the starter had no problems cranking, just seemed like the ignition system never got excited at startup. Bought $11 starter switch (in-dash master switch actuated by ignition key on steering column) SOLVED THE PROBLEM! turn the key on a cold motor, and it fires right up now!