Timing should be about 18* btdc with the vacuum advance disconnected. To much advance will make it turn over very slowly.
You don't want your timing at 3-4 degrees ATDC.
Ok back up on the timing. Set to 18 degrees advanced. It runs cooler and starts better.
Someone earlier said something about the starter and battery. One or both are weak I think. If it does not want to start now I throw the charger on it at 50 amps it will start. Even at a15 amp sometimes it won’t start.
I think there has been a combination of things contributing and most likely the BR had nothing to do with it.
I have inherited some people’s hacked up work that has been going on for several owners probably. I think we’re making progress.