Thank you sir. Didn't know that about the spark plugs Have to try the torch thing, I do have one of those. this thread has motivated me to get out there and work on the thing this weekend, barring any setbacks that my wife might find for me. I'll make absolutely sure about the timing before moving on to anything else.

The points and the condenser are relatively new. Any chance that the condenser would be bad, and what would a bad condenser even do if it was? I understand the ignition system relatively well (obviously not well enough) and I don't think I understand the condensers role.

have to scam a compression gauge off someone or fork out the cash to finally get my own, and maybe that dwell meter Iv'e been lookin at.