T25 starting problems, Help.

[dandancampervanman]

A call for advice please.
1991 water-cooled 1900cc T25 Komet, usually an excellent starter.
Recently came to move and whilst it cranked it would not start.
New battery last year.
Topped it up with 2 gallons of unleaded->Cranks but won't catch or run.
Removed plugs, cleaned, spark gap checked, tested one against engine block and confirmed spark.
Removed distributor cap, checked leads, cleaned internals and replaced->No effect.
Removed air filter/carb cover put 5ml petrol in chamber and tried to start ->spluttered then died.
Tried second time with another 5ml->Spluttered and died.
Attempted to turn for 3rd time and nothing, no longer even cranking the engine appears totally dead.
Charged battery overnight, indicated fully charged->Still not even cranking.
So what have I done wrong?
It seems too much of a coincidence that after removing the carb cover and putting fuel in, to have simultaneously developed an electrical problem so what problem have I caused and any suggestions as to where to go next?
Many thanks for any advice, please forgive in advance my limited auto-motive trouble shooting skills.
Andy
 

[Bryce]

I've got diesel so probs not much help but since you haven't had any replies I will give it a shot!
Have you checked the earth strap and given the starter motor a whack? (If petrols even have them )

[TwinTurbo]

Yep Bad earth by the sound of it. Put a Jump lead from a clean area on the engine to a clean area on he chassis. 

Likewise at the battery.

Rob
 

[Che]

How old is the starter motor? Might be failing?
Ignition switch?
Vacuum pipes?