1979 EZGO spuddering back firing and it runs better in reverse Model EC25DS

[bounder39]

I purchased a 1979 ezgo. It seems to run not too bad in reverse although it does spudder but when I put it in forward it will not rev up and spudders and back fires. could some possibly tell me what might be the problem and if it is the points can they be accessed with out having to take out the engine.
Thank you for any help