Today, I tried one more time to start my van. The last step was to give
it a snort of starting ether - and it didn't even fire once.

So - I waited until dark so I could readily see any arc-n-spark - with
the Hall sender plug disconnected - the ignition key on - I ground the
center pin connection on the connector - and checked the coil to
distributor wire against  a ground. No arc-n-spark.

Conclusion: Bad distributor wire - Or - heaven forbid but most likely -
dead coil.

No parts on hand tonight - so Monday I will be at my parts van early.

John