1972 2.25 won't start

Hi all. I'm a bit of a newbie, but I've read several threads on this (and my Haynes) and still I'm not getting anywhere
I've just put in new plugs, dizzy cap, rotor arm, leads, cleaned the carb, checked for a spark on the coil and got none, but got 12v from coil Lt + to earth and from coil ht to earth. Engine block seems to be well earthed. Engine turns over with starter but doesn't start. I noticed smell of petrol at exhaust after trying to start it.
Over last week or so, its been kangarooing, especially up hills - OK on the flat , it was deteriorating rapidly , misfiring and backfiring, and I thought it was a fuel problem, (that's why I thought carb needed a clean), but reading around it looked like it could be electrical....
What should I look at next?

Help!!!

Have you replaced the condensor?

Hi dogsbody, thanks for reply!
no, I was thinking I might pop out and get condenser and coil tomorrow and see if that helps

Have you got the plug leads on the right way round, and tried static timing?

Chalk a mark on the pointer and on the vee notch on the crank pulley, then turn the engine round by hand until they line up, and the rotor arm is pointing to the No ! plug lead..

Then put a spark plug n the No 1 lead and turn the body of the distributor until you get a spark.

A bit rough and ready, but it should get you going.

HTH

Hi guys, thanks for the tips. I replaced the condenser and points, cleaned round dizzy and oiled it, set gap. It works! Hooray!:thumbup:
Engine is now purring, probably because of the huge quantity of petrol its drinking.