Ignition problems with pick up circuit

Hi,

I'd rather have changed the title of my other post. Instead I am starting a new post and linking it to this post regarding the broader issue with my ignition system:http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=278924

Here is the problem though ...

So far I have removed the distributor, replaced the pickup coil with a new unit, replaced the original reluctor with the brass keeper pin in the same place it was, gaped it with a non-metallic feeler to .008, and replaced the distributor in the car (noting it's placement when I took it out).

Then the car started right up, but it did not run any better than it did before replacing the pick up coil(more on that below). Since I have one of those 1970s blue electronic ignition diagnostic tools used for testing these electronic ignitions, I connected it by attaching it between the control unit and control unit wiring; and it continues to indicate that the pick up circuit is failing. On the back of the tool it tells me that when the light for the pick up is on - which it is - that means either the pickup circuit or wiring is faulty. Since it apparently is not the pick up coil, then I suppose that leaves the wiring; and I'm not real good with wiring problems.

***Now, about how the car is running ... This past winter I started the car, and it eventually started after not being run for a few months, but it took some doing, and boy did it run badly - would not idle, and when I brought up the RPM, I thought it would break an engine mount. So I shut it of and left it until last week, when it started much easier and started in fact to run well - idled okay - and so I took it for a spin.
It ran pretty well, though it was off a little bit in power. And then all of a sudden it wouldn't idle at all; so I drove straight home. It was now running very rough, the diagnostic unit indicated the pickup circuit fault. Now, a week later and after replacing the pick up coil, it seems to run about like it did before I took it for a spin, and as I said, it runs a bit rough and the diagnostic tool is still indicating pick up circuit problems.

One other thing ... for years this car has, on occasion, emitted a chirping sound (exactly that) at idle and when returning to idle (I don't drive it much so that's really not a lot of mileage). A couple of mechanics had a look at it and nobody thought much of it. Well that chirping is now much worse and I feel sure that it's because of this ignition problem setting it way way out of time and it must be detonating badly. Any thoughts? Thanks again.