and it burns burns burns..... the ring of fire.... the ring of fire.
Back on topic, as these guys said, almost any half-decent parts store should have the machine to test them. When I used to work at one, I would cycle them 3 or 4 times until they feel very hot to the touch. If it passes 4 times then thats probably not the problem. Try doucing the PIP (profile ignition pickup) sensor in the distributor with electric contact cleaner (remove the cap and the rotor and you should see it near the bottom of the bowl). If this helps with the cutting-out then its a sign a new PIP is in your future. Also don't forget to inspect the regular stuff like your plugs and wires, and you can also ohm-out the coil on the primary and secondary circuits to see if its showing signs of failing.