FB cranks and sputters but wont start
 

About a month ago I got an 85gsl running that had been sitting for 22 years. Recently I've tried getting it to run again but it doesn't turn over. I have fuel coming to the carb and I have spark, compression and air as well. When ever I crank it over it sometimes will sputter but wont catch and run. Just quite a bunch of smoke coming out the exhaust. I have checked the timing and it's all where it should be but I have no idea what could be the issue since I'm somewhat new to the rotary life. I disconnected the fuel pump and sprayed staring fluid to see if it was fuel flooding related but the same issue persists. Any ideas on what do to?

what do the plugs insulators look like? red=no gas tan=good black=flooded, oil.
color of smoke? white=steam=coolant in the combustion chamber black=too gas, or oil

remove plugs and check for blue spark when turning over

what always has worked for me is dry gas (methanol) ...pour 1/4 cup down the carburetor with plugs removed 1st to clean out the combustion chamber, 2nd install the plugs and try to start

good luck, let us what the fix was

A strong battery will make it go much smoother. Agree with midnight. When you ran it last did it get good and warmed up? If not its probably flooded. Do the deflood procedure.

Heres what I do:

1. Remove plugs
2. Clean plugs with ether and wire brush to remove crud, let dry
3. Crank engine with plugs out to clean the chambers
4. Put plugs in
5. Turn on ignition for 10 seconds, then crank, if no start, lightly pump gas one or two times, then crank again.

Sometimes putting a drop of oil in the plug hole helps it get compression as well.