Jaguar Repair: 1970 E-type will not start, jaguar e type, stale gas

Question
1970 Jaguar E-type 4.2 with 2 Strombergs, 102K miles. I have owned this Jag for 7 years and have had remarkably few minor problems (albeit I only drive it about 200 miles per year). The car consistently started on the first try every time until this summer. Now it will easily turn over, has a spark and has fuel pressure to the fuel filter jar, but will not start.  I suspected stale gas, so I removed a pint, put it into another engine and it ran OK. I'm game for most repairs but I am reluctant to mess with the carbs. Is it time for me to "man up" and try the carbs or might there be other reasons for the problem that I should check first?  Many thanks.  

Answer
Hi Mark,
Since you have checked spark it is most likely fuel, so you need to test that by spraying a little starting fluid into the intake when someone tries to start the engine. If it starts up and will run as long as you continue to spray into the intake then you need look into the carbs.

If it does not start up and run as you spray into the intake, you need to check ignition at all plugs and look at the plugs themselves.

The Strombergs are not difficult but you should get a service manual before going into them. If you have any problems that are not covered in the book let me know and I will try to help.

Let me know,
Howard