Hey there , the fact that the engine fires is a good sign . as far as timing goes it can cause erratic running hard starting or even dislocate your shoulder (kick back) as long as your points are just starting to open at 3mm before tdc its close enough .
the snorkel is important as the air cleaner gives the engine restriction.
the spade terminal looks ok they originally came out with a similar terminal , a victa later model spark plug boot is easy to get heaps listed on ebay and then just a screw about 2cm long and not to fat will screw up the ignition cable, then push boot over top.
the hard start from fuel down the plug hole , most likely just caused from a wet spark plug from a little to much fuel , when the fuel is forced from the crank case to the cylinder in normal running the fuel enters more of a mist rather than a liquid, once you cleared enough of the fuel you put down the plug hole it fired . cheers , mitch
