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after i put the header in place the truck ran rough. it was acting as an elect problum. it would start easy but would not keep running. This is a prime example of a vacuum leak. Since the intake and exhaust manifolds use the same hardware to hold them to the head it is possible you have a leak here. Also the intake and exhaust bolt together under the carb. Did you replace the gaskets or reuse the old ones? Double check the torque on the hardware if they are new gaskets.
I removed the dist cap and checked the points. they where same as shot. So I replaced the plugs all 6 of them where compleaty closed off from build up. Anytime the plugs are fouled (build up) you have an oil leak. Most likely caused by the piston rings in most of my experiences with the 223. Also shotgun blasting parts at ignition systems doesn't work since 90% of the stores I know do not accept returned electrical parts if they are installed. There are several websites that explain how to test primary and secondary circuits of the coil.
Only having the truck for a short time and spending several months looking for the exaust manifold i havnt done much to it.
I felt it was best to replace every thing new and it hasnt started again.
Do you have a compression guage to check the condition of all the cylinders? I only ask this to help determine how worn the engine is. If the compression stays the same wet or dry you have worn valves. You can google the compression check or search the forum for it. Also cruise over the the Inline 6 forum to see some troubleshooting.
Inside the dizzy is a 2" ground strap. The original was plain braided wire, the 1972 replacement has a plastic coating. If that ground strap breaks, the vehicle will not start.
since the plugs were fouled what color were they? were they oil fouled or carbon fouled? sounds like a combination of things ie vacuum leak etc and weak spark? just thinkin out loud but the problem started when you installed the headers and now it does want to start or run right 1st have you created a vacuum leak and second that coil, dist, points, wires and plugs need to b checked thoroughly. it seems that whatever problem is plaguing you may be slight and uneen. also i think compression needs checked. sometimes a little wear on things and a bad tune make for awful issues. just my 2 cents. im really curious to know what you figure out!