Re: 1971 point gap?
Set the points gap to .020".
Another problem these older systems have is with the white plastic insulator block which passes the high-voltage signal from the points to outside the breaker box. The insulator deteriorates and cracks with age/heat, then the screw running down the middle of the block can short out to ground. This will cause intermittant or no-spark problems.
Any service on these "Maker" type ignitions should include replacement of the insulating blocks for both sets of points.
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The other problem these motors have is with ign coils which crack then arc to ground thru the cracks. Pull the coils off altogether and inspect all over for cracks. This includes peeling-back the rubber cushion to check the hidden areas of the coil. Any coil with a crack is bad and should be replaced.
Each coil has a grounding pigtail of bare stranded wire sticking out; these wires should be 'peeled' out of the coil such that when the coil is bolted up to its bracket, the grounding wire is sandwiched between the coil and metal ground of the bracket.
Also check the kill switch, make sure the contacts are clean and it's not shorted to ground. Some of these ign's require continuity thru the kill switch to make the ign spark. When you push on the kill switch you're actually opening the circuit. This is opposite of later systems which ground the ign to kill spark.
You can check your kill switch with a meter to see which way it operates, and if it's working correctly. If your kill switch grounds to stop spark, an easy way to test it is to disconnect and see if anything changes.
HTH...........ed
