i pulled the #1 plug and made sure it was actually at TDC and it was. i pulle the valve cover and watched the rockers. on the compression stroke they were both closed.
it dosent even try to start. i think it must have done something at least once because when i pulled the plug it was a little black, so there must have been some fire there for a second.

could it be that the spark is too weak?
what should the voltage be at the coil? i did convert to electronic ignition.
is there a way to test the ignition box , coil, resistor?