That cylindrical thing is the Fuel Vapor recovery canister. It's susposed to recycle gas fumes back to the tank. This engine should have the electronic ignition, you might have a Ign module going. Check the ballast resister, module and the gap between the reluctor and inductor...The starred wheel under the distributer cap and the pickup..USE A BRASS FEELER GAUGE!! I can never remember the gap and I'm sure someone will chime it. Look at the plug wires, distributer cap and rotor for cracks, carbon tracking and burned wires. Good luck! :thumblef