Starting problem - take two

Unable to get the car to fire when attempting to start, I had my wife try to start it while I fiddled with various wires. Oddly the car would only fire when I DISconnected the wire from the coil to the distributor, and held it close to, but not connected to, the distributor. With that wire disconnected it did finally fire. I connected the wire and drove it around for a while, and have started it again without any trouble. But this is the second period of starting troubles and I am wondering what electrical issues I may have.

The disconnecting makes no sense to me. Anybody know what is wrong?

I think it was just a coincidence. What was the situation prior to the no start.
Sitting for a while? Damp? Hot?

I would borrow another coil, switch over the 12v + hot, the distributor side - wire and coil wire and see if the problem resolves itself.

Maybe a screwed up ditributor cap?

Be a little more precise.

Do you mean the thin wire that goes from the side of the distributor body/condensor to the negative (#1) side of the coil, or do you mean the coil lead that goes from the center of the distributor cap to the center of the coil.

If it's the former, replace the condensor and maybe the coil just for good measure.

If it's the latter, replace the coil lead and the distributor cap. The lead or the ends may be broken or faulty or the center contact and spring may be faulty in the distributor cap.

Check that the 12 volt positive (#15) contact is secure as well.

>If you're familiar with things automotive, rather than replace with new pieces, test the condensor and if it checks out, tighten up the wire spade or replace with another crimp. Make sure that the coil is discharging as it should, and check the coil to distributor lead for continuity, replace or repair, and double-check the contact inside the cap. Repair it if necessary

Here's a nugget if anyone ever had a problem with intermittted starting there is a way to use a relay so a great % or cranking power goes to your started also I was told if you ground out the starter to your battery ground this also helps? Cabanaboy OUT!!

Its the main fat central wire from the center of the coil to the center of the distributor. It only finally fired when I disconnected that wire. Like life and women, my engine is often a mystery.

Seems to be starting ok now.

PS: the coil is new.

I'm surprised you are not telling us a more "shocking" story. Don't stand in a puddle when you do that.
What was the situation before the "no start". Parked on a hill for 2 weeks, Rainy, 200 mile
ride, all of the history comes in to play.
The "wire" was just a coincidence unless it was pulled out and you reinstalled it by chance.