Originally Posted by chs marine

the fuel pump was checked and even though the pressiure was fine, i installed a new carter pump as well as a new anti siphon valve, then i ran it on an external tank with fresh gas,

Originally Posted by hanky

A couple of things,
If the dist is one tooth off , could produce performance problems.
Usually when starving for fuel, engine just doesn't have the guts to deliver. Possible fuel volume problem.
Your best bet is to start from the beginning and confirm dist is installed correctly then set timing to spec.It has to be removed and done correctly from the start.
We agree low fuel will starve engine , run lean and misfire .
The problem sounds like spark is not getting to where it is supposed to be at the right time.

Originally Posted by kevinkpk

The issue to me is two fold. I'd suggest working one first instead of both at the same time. If the fuel pump is delivering to the carb, but the engine is stalling, cannot maintain higher load rpm's, look at the float drop in the carb. I am not familair with your setup, but this is indicative of fuel starvation. Predetonation, timing.