Classic/Antique Car Repair: 72 Olds Cutlass, 72 olds cutlass, olds cutlass

Question
I have a 350 Rocket mostly stock with headers and today for the first time it hesitated to start three different times after I left work and the last time this evening I went up to have her washed and as I was pulling around the building she just stalled and coasted to a stop and now I can't get her started. She has a full tank of gas and all her fluids are full. I don't have a manual on engine or carb issues, but the choke is real stiff and stays open is this correct? We tried getting a jump and starter fluid. Any suggestions, I had to have her towed home. She has 124,000 miles  Thanks Cheri

Answer
Cheri,
Sounds like ignition Now my question to you is...Since it is a 72 it came with points distributor, does it still have it or was that swapped for an HEI distributor?

The points version is small round cap with middle plug going to coil sitting nearby.

The HEI is big fat one with coil on top hidden inside.

Now if points style it could either be coil or condenser or points got wet, has it been raining lately? then you washed it.

If HEI and car was sputtering like it was running out of gas then its ignition module located inside cap under the rotor, square thing with wires hooked up to it or if it just went then the coil is suspect.

If it is points style I would replace points with igniter its about 100 bucks and easy fix or find HEI unit and drop it in

Hope this helps
lemme know
Mike

PS I dont think its carb prob at this point..if car was warm, choke should be open.