Intermittent starting and dying problem solved

Yeah, the 73 has the electric choke heater also. That ceramic contraption bolted down with the coil is on the same/only switched 12 volts in the engine bay. The thing isn't weather tight either. after 50 years it has got to be corroded. If it shorts out it will rob current from ignition, and charging systems. Go ahead and unplug the damn thing. EPA wanted it. You don't need it.