Look for cracking in the top casting of the carb. The float and needle/seat might be working, butif the fuel is going around it, you can have this issue.

Also look at the way the seat is installed. Is there supposed to be a gasket under it on that carb?

I did a little studying on this. It looks like a good solution would be a standard points GM distributor or an after market with a pointless electronic module that is made for 6v positive ground. Trying to use an HEI and running it on 6v won't work.

A new distributor is about $100, the electronic trigger is $50 and I think I can do the machining for $50. But without the oiling, I think it might be worth the effort and $$ to put in sealed roller bearings.

Having an easily swappable unit might be nice for someone that's looking for that.

Does anyone think there be much of a market for a GM HEI drop in replacement? Or any modern distributor that can be machined to fit?

I own a machine shop and have several of those distributors laying around. If I thought I could sell them, I could do a short run of enough volume to make the price reasonable.

Is the car running cold because of a bad thermostat? Is the heat riser valve stuck open?

I wouldn't call it a misapplication of technology. I was the best technology (that could be mass produced) that was available o accomplish what was needed.

It wasn't only a matter of emission per mile, but which emissions per mile.

That looks like a burnt winding in the last picture and the shaft looks pretty chewed up where in runs in the bushing.

I believe that the PT engine were not made of iron. All nonmetallic components to keep from setting off mines in the water.

The resistance will measure zero ohms or as close to zero even with the wrong cables.

If you need new cables and your local auto parts store doesnt have the heavier ones needed to carry the huge amps that a 6V stystem has, try a tractor parts supply place.

I'll go with "The bushings are shot and grounding the armature to the stator. " For $100, Alex.

Oxides of nitrogen and carbon-monoxide don't break down easily or quickly in the atmosphere. Carbon-dioxide does. These mods to the cars might have killed efficiencies, but the output of the exhaust was much better for the earth.

Through new grades of metals, types of platings or coatings a long with better combustion control(computers), the automotive industry has made great gains in efficiency while still controlling dangerous emissions.