Running well, then no fire

[shadowfever]

The starter in my 71 Arkley Midget was dragging. Turn the key, it bumps a few times, and then would eventually turn over enough to start. The problem was getting worse so I replaced the starter with a used one I had on hand. Worked well and then began to drag again. I retightened a loose connection on the starter lead and it turned over but now I have no fire. I assumed user error, I must have pulled something loose. Each post has a 3 blade male with one blade attached. I found a blade hanging loose on beneath the coil but I'm not sure where they plug in, which side they plug in. I don't know if this would keep me from getting fire.
I tested the old coil and got 5 ohms from the primary, the book shows it should be 3 to 3.4. I got 7000 on the secondary but I cannot find the correct specs for that. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[DrEntropy]

Color of the "dangling" wire? No idea how the wiring is arranged in an Arkley, likely used the same color codes as the Midget, though. Coil should be powered by a white wire, switched on from ignition in the "run" position.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Going to the coil you have switched 12 volts coming from fuse block usually a white wire and a white w Black stripe going to base of the dizzy. Assuming my memory serves me correctly this am. Tach wire also connects to the coil.

 

[shadowfever]

Color of the "dangling" wire? No idea how the wiring is arranged in an Arkley, likely used the same color codes as the Midget, though. Coil should be powered by a white wire, switched on from ignition in the "run" position.

White wire was dangling hooked it back up. There is also a red wire going to that post. On the negative side I have another white wire attached and a blue wire that was dangling.

 

[DrEntropy]

No idea about red or blue wiring to an ignition on a BMC/BL car. Can't be of much help. Electronic ignition?

 

[shadowfever]

No idea about red or blue wiring to an ignition on a BMC/BL car. Can't be of much help. Electronic ignition?

Yes, sorry, should have mentioned it has had an electronic ignition installed.

 

[shadowfever]

Found a third wire dangling, a black wire. The car does have an electronic ignition. If I attach the newly discovered black wire to the negative side of the coil the engine continues to turn over even if I release the key. I have to physically turn the switch to off to keep the engine from spinning. Still no fire though.

 

[shadowfever]

Found the problem, car is running. Thanks for all of the suggestions, insights, and help.
The problem was the black wire and a misplaced white wire. The other "dangling" wires were truly dead ends. Left over from some previous incarnation but no longer used.