Hard starting. Need Help!

[Truckstr]

Hello all! I've got a problem with the 350 engine in my '67 truck cranking and cranking before it "catches" - but only AFTER the first time it's started cold. When cold it starts right up.

It's an auto equipped model and has headers, open element air cleaner and HEI. The choke seems to be working well.

So far, I've carefully set the idle (~800 RPM)

...and idle mixture screws (highest vacuum and RPM)

...and set the timing at about 10 degrees BTDC (it has HEI).

I checked the plugs and they look good. I put a new Summit HEI cap/rotor/coil kit in it, and still no help.

When I replaced the cap and rotor, I noticed that the weights on the mechanical advance were worn out. Apparently, the mechanical advance is virtually non-functional.

What have I left out? What's causing this thing to be so hard to start?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Jeff