MG Car Repair: non start no spark at plug leads, engine cranks, point gap

Question
hi howard uk based hope you can help . recently bought an mgb 1978 not run for a year ,engine cranks no spark at plug leads  or points any ideas would be appreciated thanks carole.ps would ponits gap make any difference?? .

Answer
Hi Carole,
Yes, point gap is important. It should be .015 in when on a high point of the cam.
If still no spark do this,
Check for power to the white wire/s on the coil with the key on. If so, turn the engine until the points are open. Remove the coil wire from the center of the distributor cap and either place a spark plug on the end of the wire and lay the plug on a metal part of the engine or carefully place the wire end close to a metal part of the engine (about 1/8 inch)
With the key on short between the two points contacts in the dist. with a screwdriver and watch for a spark. If you have a spark that way, but don't by just turning the engine over, you probably need to file the points contacts and then clean them with a small piece of cardboard after filing them.
let me know,
Howard