I found the problem" It was a bad rotor.
This was, as always in combination with other things like oily points, a
dirty connection on both ends of the coil wire.
I just replaced the whole works and it runs great.
I've never had a rotor to fail so I was somewhat confused about the
symptoms.
Thanks to all for your dedicated analysis.

Stan Wilder

On Fri, 16 Nov 2001 10:28:20 -0500 Robert Donalds <bostneng@FCL-US.NET>
writes:
It has been my experience that contamination fromto much oil and or
points lube will fry a set of points as you have described. I would also
check the wires and wire ends to see if they have the proper reisistance.
The air-cooled vans have a long history of hard starting low batterys and
lack of proper tuneups are often the cause. Low manifold vacuum can also
contribute to hard starting hot this can be due to hydraulic lifters
holding the valves open.
Bob Donalds
http://www.bostonengine.com
as always all rights reserved

[text/html]