(Snip)

I did swap the cap and rotor both with and without the new distributor.  The spark was pretty sharp and once pitch black outside, I could see it jump over an inch.

 

 

The last sentence about being pitch black to see the spark raises Red flags. A good strong spark should be easily visible in broad daylight. Especially with an Electronic distributor. The old transistor boxes ( especially the 75 and 76 models ) were a bit on the weak side, but you should still be able to see a good strong spark fro the coil wire in broad daylight. A " Matchbox " ( E12-80 ) electronic module is even stronger.  Points can be ... Meh.

 

Do pull the front Timing cover and check those gears please. On mine the spindle gear showed some obvious damage, but the crank worm gear had split right in half and fallen in the pan!!

 

BTW, this was one of the few engines that I did not assemble myself. A Big Time " Professional shop, had assembled the engine. Engine had a trick knife edged Tilton crank ( $1,000 in 1978!!! ) and large diameter Tilton damper. Damper required a special bolt that was longer than stock. " Pro " shop put in the stock Nissan crank bolt that was too short. And no Red Loctite. Needless to say, I never did business with that shop again and went back to assembling my own engines. BTW, shop was local but well known for " Drag engines ". Lesson learned... don't trust ANYONE 

Richard, the spark was good and very visible during the day while we were working on it.  I only made the night comment because I was surprised how far the spark was jumping.  In bright sun I could see it, but I didn't try to jump it as far as I did in the dark.

 

I'm out of town today, but I will at least test a few things tomorrow.

Gotcha Jeff. Was a bit confussed....

 

Edit: Let us know what you find on the drive gears. when you get back. I have a couple of ideas on fuel, but no use muddying the " waters " if you find the another problem.

Edited September 8, 20159 yr by Chickenman

Will do.  I didn't get a chance yesterday to work in the garage.  When I got home I had to take care of a few other things and it was well over 90° in the garage, so I wasn't super motivated after I finished my other things.  I should get to it sometime after work this week.