Sorry it took so long for me to get back.
Thanks for the ideas and information Wankelguy
I will definitely go over to the jy soon and get the cannister off the '83...wouldn't want my baby blowing up!
The float bowls did appear to have fuel even after it died, but we are definitely suspecting carb problems along those lines.
Today I bought a Beck-Arnley carb rebuild kit at a local establishment for $23...I hope that's a good deal.
Two weeks ago we removed the carb and now have it in my garage awaiting the time for the rebuild. We'll probably do it next weekend (HOPEFULLY it warms up)...still need to get the chem-dip, but will have it by then.

Another Question:
When we got it fired up for the first time, we had it running for about a minute or so and my partner noticed the oil cooler spouting a stream , so we cut the motor and removed the cooler.
My question is this...we still haven't replaced the oil cooler and just have the holes in the engine casing plugged with bolts. Is this a bad thing? Would this cause it not to run? My partner says that it doesn't really need it, but then he's never worked on a rotary before...just the v8's.
Thanks
JD

 

Put a timing light on it and see if you loose spark (as it dies). A weak ignitor can work for a short time then die.