Stupid mistake.Now what? electrical problems

I charged the battery and tested for fire at the points and found I do have power to there. I started the engine and it ran for about five seconds and quit. It would not immediaitely start again. I waited a few minutes and the cycle repeated itself. It didn't run long enough to see how well it was running. Does this sound like an electical problem or a problem in the fuel/ carburator problem. I think my governor is also messing up some as the idle has never been real consistent, with some sputtering and some acceleration in speed while in idle mode. Any ideas or suggestions on what to do or check next?

When she dies, try to find out if you have a spark or not. To check for a spark, connect a spare plug to a plug wire and hold it against the block while cranking. Look for a nice blue spark. This works great in the field. If you don't have a spark, suspect your condensor or coil. It's nice to change your points and condensor regardless when you buy an old machine. If you have a spark, suspect the fuel system. Try not to open up the governor unless you have to!

Your "fuel filter" is probably a glass fuel bowl under your tank. It should be full of fuel and the bowl and little discs should be clean. Shirttails work if your old lady is a good sport. Good luck.