As I pulled into a machine shop, here in West Central Florida to discuss balancing the dive shaft, the '56 Ford Fairlane stalled. Went inside of shop for 10 to 15 minutes. Came out and jumped in car and it failed to start, popped the hood and checked wiring, every thing was where it should be. The battery was strong and
cranking. The coil was very very hot. We put a bag of ice on the coil to cool it off...........no luck, won't start. Put new coil on.........still would
not start. Did a check for spark at the coil and at two spark plugs. No spark.
 Called towing company that showed up 45 minutes later. Just before the tow truck  driver prepared to tow the car, I decided to see 
if it would start.....................and...........it started just like it always did. Drove 20 miles home with no problems.
What happened ? Anybody been down this road before ? Also, I installed an modern electronic distributor and a Summit carb,
Tim
Hot 'n Humid Florida
33706

Well, fuel lines won't affect spark I don't think. The coil being very hot is to me an indicator. If you are sure that the ignition wasn't firing, and your electronic ignition is designed to run without a ballast resistor, I would try installing about a 1 ohm ballast. This will take some of the heat off the coil and the electronics in the distributor.  If it runs OK, just leave it on there. The sad part is if it corrects the problem you might never know it because the problem occurs so seldom. 

you are correct he did mention spark.