16,000 ohms?

I'd check to see that I had the right setting on the ohm meter before I
got nervous.
It's possible you got the right reading but on the wrong scale or
hundredth.
( you can select what scale you want to read on your mutimeter.
Right?)

You can't locate any individual plug wire?
Go to any lawn mower shop or Ace is the Place.
Pick your self up  a length of Packard 440 wire, and some ends.

Nobody will be able to listen to a radio in a 5 mile radius of your Van,
but if your coil is good, you'll have direct drive spark, and a low ohm
draw.

Rather than doing a cheap repair, why not just pop for some tune up
parts and a set of good copper,or stainless core wire's.
Throw the cabon core garbage away.
The pencil lead filled string wire.

Do you know when the last time the Van's engine was completely tuned up?

You have to start somewhere.
Might as well be here.