Stubborn starting question...

Well, I've done a few things and have some info to share.

I replaced the ballast resister, but the new one started smoking. I then attached 1 30 MAMP LED to the ballast resister with a 1W 1K resister to test power flow but fond no disruptions.

I've since attached the simple tester to the coil, noting flickering and dimming.

The alternator regulator is between the two, as well as two harness connections, so I am not searching for a short. This isn't really a starting problem anymore as much as a running problem. I'm going to swap out the voltage regulator this week, since the old one had some badly frayed wires and corrosion, but I am not confident that it's the problem as much as a consequence of where ever my short is.

Until I determine the short, I'm going to hold off adding the electronic distributor. No sense in risking more equipment.

On another note, a peer advised that I should be wary of using the smaller fuel filters, as that they might restrict gas flow. To be safe, I replaced the in-line filter with a model compatible with what the shop manual recommends, about 2 1/2 times as much volume. I'm trying to limit contributing factors of the fuel side as I chase the electric one.

Slainte,