[kach22i]

I don't know much about your year, but assume it does not have points. Still I'd look under the distributor cap for condensation and hairline cracks.

One guy said he went so far as to caulk the cap on (never silicone) to keep moisture out. I've never done that, but looking under the cap for sudden wear is a good starting point in problem solving.

Could also be a CIS leak. Do a search on the fire extinguisher with starting fluid hunt for air leaks.

Also check your red cap starter relay under the front hood. Once mine was so worn it did something similar to what you went through. The darn cap came apart in my hand and I could see the burr on the contact. Carry a spare relay, many do.

Is that a stock ignition box or a red MSD?