Thank you for all your advice. As soon as I'm feeling patient enough to sit and work with it again, I'll come back and
reread what you've each suggested. I will get the serial number. I have the original manual and have consulted ISMACS for close-up pics , which help these 40-something eyes a lot. Glad to know it's probably NOT a timing issue.
I appreciate everyone's input. I really do. Waiting for the "a-ha!" moment and will report my success when (not IF, I am DETERMINED!) it happens. I know it becomes a friendly competition among you mechanical types to see who was RIGHT about what is WRoNG with these ole machines. LOL