91 ParCar only runs in reverse

[Steve Patrick]

I just acquired a non-running 1991 gas ParCar. I found the dead module and coil in the dashboard and the oil tank had been removed. I purchased an aftermarket module and with very little modification adapted it to the original module plate. I now have great spark and with a small shot of starting fluid, it fires right up and will run on the crappy mixed fuel in the gas tank on it's own. But only in reverse. I drove it backwards about 10 feet as a test. But the engine will not fire to go forward. I have the same spark, a shot of ether but no start.
I'm not familiar with these two stroke engines and the odd (for me) systems that make run/move. I could use some suggestions.