So, to keep things interesting, and me crazy, after getting it to at least idle yesterday, went out this am and started it up, idled along nicely for about 5 minuutes then cut out, now wont hold an idle at all by itself. I can run it, but as soon as I stop or slow down enough, it dies. restarts fine, but backfires and hesitated at first. Got new points although the dwell meter which has a test function showed them as ok. leaving nothing to chance at this point. Not altogether sure how to remove and reinstall, the manual indicated removing a circlip from the contact breaker arm pivot. looks like it makes sense, but I can't see a circlip there.

Will try the timing light again and look for the arrow, thanks. Would have never guessed that one.

Back out to mess with it some more...at least I'm learning!

Marc