I'll try to address all the comments as best I can.
The points are new, but were installed before I took ownership so it's not that.
The 12V coil (with the external resistor) was also "as delivered" and running.
The "old" battery was not that old, but had certainly been run down. The new one was not drained entirely by cranking the engine, but by whatever is drawing on it. We have recharged it and I think it's ok. Also trying to recharge the old one for back up.
I agree it's more than one thing. I think the gas issue caused it to stall. Then the battery draining kept it from starting again originally. Now I'm not sure what the problem is. I don't believe the previous owner had trouble with the battery charging, so I'm leaning away from generator trouble. I think when he was showing the truck to sell it he turned on a lot of stuff he probably never used before and something is still pulling juice. If I was more electrically savvy I would probably have figured out what by now. If I could get it started I might have a chance to see the culprit in action. Not all the switches and dials work perfectly so I can't really tell when they're off or on. But that doesn't explain why it won't start with a full charge.
I've had two fairly knowledgable amatuer mechanics take a look. One's a licensed electrician. Both are also scratching their heads. We're all reconvening on Saturday for another go. I will spring for the new 6V coil, and disconnect all unessentials, like the heat(if you can call that unessential in this frigid weather...did I mention the driver side window is out?),turn signals and radio. And we'll see what happens. I will check for red or black outlines under the grime tonight.
I'll keep you posted. Glad I signed up. You've all been very helpful, at least I have ideas now.
