Coughing, backfiring ... *UPDATE*

"Running on the starter" could be a bad ballast. Check and see if you have power to the coil/ ballast with the key in the "run" position.

Have you checked the spark? You want to do this using the KEY to crank, because that gives you the best "cranking" spark. (Cranking with the key in "run" and jumpering the starter relay does NOT bypass the ballast resistor, gives you a weaker spark)


You'll either need two people, or a way to "rig" a test gap for the coil wire.

If the spark at the coil wire looks OK, Look at the plugs. Are they wet/ fuel fouled?