71 New Yorker

Did you check if the condenser is good? They have a big fail rate with the newer made one. Just FYI
 
Points do wear out. When they are new each contact has a shiny, mirror-like appearance. The two contacts meet when the engine is running and that is when the power from the coil, via the condenser, is transmitted to the spark plug. And why it is important the contacts are set to the correct spacing.

Years ago I had a 1963 Valiant that decided not to run smoothly, at first, and then not at all. Turned out the contacts on the points were shot. Instead of a nice shiny surface on each, the contacts in the Valiant had a metal circle where the mirrors should be. No surface meant no power was being transmitted from one contact to the other.

How about your ballast resistor? The engine will turn over okay as the resistor is bypassed when the key is in the START position. But once you release the key the ignition switch moves to the RUN position and the power runs through the resistor. And if the resistor is bad, no power will go to the coil, and thus no power to the distributor and spark plugs. I have seen resistor wires in the ballast that have broken in two. Ceramics are great as they do not conduct electricity, but they are also great for heat insulation.
 
My 71 Ny was working good than one evening it just wouldn't start and it's been that way for a few days now. Turns over well but just want catch. I checked the fire with a spare plug and it was firing fine not sure how bright the spark is supposed to be but there was lots of spark. Fuel going to the carb also



Although i'd like to know what happened next myself...
 
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