[GTJIM (R.I.P.)]

Low Idle

Sounds like your idle speed is set just a bit too low and there is so little power available that whenthe alternator goes under full load it is too much for the engine to drive. The other thing to check is the vacuum advance - high vacuum at idle "sucks" in considerably more advance which ignites the lean idle mixture much more positively. If the vacuum advance diaphram has a tiny hole in ti then less advance will be "sucked" on and >>>> less fuel will be burnt >>>> giving less power. On most motors you can hear the revs change slightly at idle when the load goes on to the alternator.

HTH

 

[GTJIM (R.I.P.)]

Flicker....

Firstly, have you set your idle speed at 850 rpm with an acurate dwell meter type rev counter or by looking at the original rev counter?
Secondly, Do the dash lights flicker when you turn on the headlights?
Thirdly, do the headlights turn on normally with a bright light which remains on without flickering or shutting down when the engine dies?

With the ignition I am talking about the vacuum advance not the static, position of the distributor advance. The vacuum can on the side of the distributor can be checked by applying a vacuum to it with a special device that a real good mechanic should have - a hand operated device specially made for testing vacuum cans on didtributors.

Try increasing the idle revs to 950 - 1,000 rpm and see if the problem still occurs.