New Guy, 1977 70hp 2 stroke start issues

[GrumpBobby]

Hi all, hoping to find the help needed to get this thing going. After releasing the control cables at the engine as the control box is shot. I managed to get the wiring/switch jimmied and actually got it to run for a sec or 2 then shut it down afraid of damaging it as not in tank, on hose etc. It still shows spark, but even if fuel is tossed down carbs throats it doesnt fire off ? Picked up 3 new plugs just to save face. Nothing, checked spark on all 3 and it looks good. I wonder if the timing arm is too out as it is free and I have no idea of the correct position for starting her up. Any advice is more than welcome and thanks in advance (no pun)

[boats.net]

Start with a compression test to see if compression on all cylinders are even.