4hp Lightwin 1972 Spits Gas

[Lightwin]

Hello, I've got a 4hp 1972 (4206S). The only tune up it ever got in 40 years was a recent carb rebuild & new plugs. But it STILL runs good in the bucket. Now, on the dinghy, though, it is REALLY hard to start.

Symptoms:
* Hard to start, needs starter fluid to get it going
* Floods easily--dry out wet plugs, give it ether and may eventually start
* Once started, requires intermittent hand bulb pumping, for the first 5 min; when it warms up, seems to run on its own OK
* Spits gas from the fuel connector body on the engine when you disconnect to run gas out of carb--Bad O ring?

Other thoughts:
* Reed valves seem solid and springy
* Fuel pump seems OK, (40 years old). But when it runs, it seems to get fuel

QUESTIONS:
* Is this all due to the fuel connector body (376154) letting air in?
* Why does it seem to "start" so rich/flood
* Can fuel pump be the problem? Or do they either work, or not?
* Should I do a tune up and replace coils/pts/condenser/reed valves (or am I fixing things that ain't broke)?

Thanks!

[boats.net]

Air in the fuel system is a big problem. You may want to repair the fuel pump. Sound like the carburetor my need to be adjusted. You can also check the points, make sure they are clean and gapped properly.

[Lightwin]

I appreciate the recommendations. Would the air in fuel line problem be from the fuel pump ($85), or from the 40 year old fuel connector body ($45) (fuel line clip on engine that has the 'o' ring, etc).

Also--If I have to pull the flywheel to check/gap points, is it worth replacing them (and coils and condensers)--or does the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' rule apply?
Thanks!

[boats.net]

could be either of the 40 year old fuel parts, however I would start with the connector. Yes, would not hurt to change them while you are down that far.