When you're trying to tug the wheel off, leave the retainer nut on a couple of threads. It doesn't do your nose any good when the wheel smacks you in the face!

Bacon frying sounds like pinging. Timing too advanced which can be the weights in the distributor sticking, especially if the tick over is poor. Engine can often sound a bit laboured when starting. Check timing. Quick check, loosen dizzy clamp and rotate the body a fraction anti clockwise. 1º of turn equals 2º of timing. Do a test drive to see if it's any better. Take your spanner with you so you can adjust it more if needed. These engines like premium fuel and a tank of that might also make the pinging go away.
Depending on results, service/lube your distributor and check/adjust timing using a light.