[hardtimes]

Hey scar,
With what info that you've provided, we have to make some assumptions here..and that is usually not a good thing,eh !
For instance, we would expect that a 6K $ engine would be put together correctly....so we assume that the VALVE ADJ is correct. However, badly adjusted valves can/will make an engine POP ! I assume that you have elect spark, as there can NOT be popping without spark ! However, that spark can be intermittent...so check the points for clean and check battery for full charge and coil for good operation AND all connections for clean/tight and unfrayed condition. We assume that there is good fuel and enough of it getting to cyl, as there IS popping, which can NOT happen without some fuel....however, you say plugs clean/DRY ? If enough fuel is present in tank, when engine turns without firing....there should be lots of unburned fuel wetting down plugs and cylinder walls (washing walls..is not good). Pull, dip stick also and smell oil for fuel / gas smell...gas diluting oil !

Now hot spark, plus fuel, plus correct timing, assuming engine together and adjusted properly....equals firing off. Maybe not running good at first due to carb and other final fine tuning...but firing off !!