It has been my experience that = contamination fromto much oil and or points lube will fry a set of points as you = have described. I would also check the wires and wire ends to see if they have the proper reisistance. The air-cooled vans have a long = history of hard starting low batterys and lack of proper tuneups are often = the cause. Low manifold vacuum can also contribute to hard starting hot this = can be due to hydraulic lifters holding the valves open.