[Mitch//pa]

it depends if the points are open or closed... you will read 6v when the points are open and lose voltage closed. a common issue is oxidized points which you can clean with a file or such and regap..
opening and closing the points manually should create a little spark at the points contacts and also a spark from the coil wire @ 1/4 " from a head nut when the points are operated ///key on..

the moral of the story is ck and see if you have spark at the coil wire. if not clean and gap the points, also make sure the distributor cam turns when cranking the engine.