You've got a points distributor?
Seriously - if its not bad use that and then no wondering if the ECU works etc.
Things that can go bad in the points dist are worn cam, worn or burn points - easy to see; or bad condensor.
Sounds like the earlier problems were due to an overfilling carb bowl.
Remove some spark plugs and see what they look like. Often they can clue us in as to what's going on.
