Put some foam under the tank to prevent fuel foaming. Foaming fuel will make it impossible to set correctly.
If your engine runs better with the glow ignitor on it could be a couple of things. Make sure your glow plug is good. Your mixture is much too rich, or your fuel is old. Not sure how old your fuel is or your glow plug.
Check your carb for debris in the fuel system that can cause erratic running.

Richard