Sooooo .... got the coil wired up correctly (+ wire from ignition, - wire to distributor, left the tachometer wire off), and new points and condenser. Also installed the new (made in USA!) voltage regulator.
No battery drain when connecting the battery ground cable, so the fused VR problem is solved. Engine would crank fine but still wouldn’t fire and no spark. Tried Bartamos’ idea of jumping power direct from the battery positive terminal to the + terminal on the coil and the engine started on the very first spin. It’s running a bit rough though, like I didn’t set the points right or the spark advance is off. Have to double check both, before all this started the 261 was purring like a kitten.
Next step is to get under the dash and see if I can find the continuity break in the ignition wire. After the key switch, where does the ignition wire go? Straight to the coil or does it stop anywhere along the way?
Btw, took the cover off the old VR and couldn’t see anything wrong, but it’s obviously bad. The new one cures the power drain and is charging the battery just fine.
