[George/Maine]

When you say you turn key off do you have another switch for on and off.
The key is to lock the steering column my guess.
To get it to run get a wire with and alligator clip and jump it to coil direct,
With electronic ign you need a clean line with no add ons.
Try a new key switch with key start.
You can't be pure if the have electronic ign and 4 barrel carb.