84Elky

There are many posts here and on other forums about hard starting or inability to start. Many reasons are given. I too had a recent problem where starting would only occur after releasing the key. Happened cold or hot. But once started, engine ran great. Letting off the key starting is an indication of insufficient voltage getting to the main coil. But had new Delco coil, so tested the PU coil according the recommended method and it tested 850 ohms, exactly equal to the new Delco PU coil I had. There was also no change in resistance when vigorously wiggling the coil leads. So by all indications from the recommended testing method, the PU coil was good. But after removing it, that was soon disproved (see attached pics). The issue in the pics could not be seen while the PU coil was installed in the distributor.

After replacing the PU coil, engine starts immediately. Bottom line. If everything else checks out, the PU coil is likely the culprit.