Inline 250 Distributor

[bob77]

Hello all,
My 77 with the inline 6-250 has the distributor with an external coil mounted on the side of the block. I have been suspicious of the condition of the distributor (timing/ idle issues) and am replacing it. I purchased a used distributor from a co-worker. (a trust co-worker who assures me the distributr is in great condition) It is from a 79 250 and has the coil integrated into the distributor/ cap. I know I need to run power from the battery to the distributor. Can I just run power DIRECTLY from the battery to this terminal? Should it be relayed/ switched? Are there any other issues I may need to address to make this changeover?
Thanks

[VileZambonie]

What do you think is wrong with your original distributor? If the shaft rotates concentrically All you have is a pick up coil and module.

[bob77]

Well, the rough idle I have is still making me suspicious. I am told that it seems like I have a "Crossfire" occuring somewhere in the electrical system. As I have replaced pretty much everything else, I am curious about the distributor. And, I don't have to pay the co-worker who brought me the replacement distributor until I have tried it out to see if it alleviates any of my problem. So, if it helps, great. If not, nothing lost.

[Captkaos]

You need to run the coil off of switched power, not battery power, and if your current setup is using points, you can't use the power wire to its coil.

[bob77]

The only difference between the current distributor and the replacement is the coil. The current setup is "pointless" as well. So I should be able to use the power wire to the current coil if I understand correctly. The shaft of the distributor seems tigher on the replacement as well. Seems to be just the tiniest bit of slop in the old one.

[Captkaos]

So both are HEI?  If so the power wire should be the same 12V source.

[bob77]

Yes. Both are HEI.

[VileZambonie]

You don't have a crossfire in the primary side of the ignition circuit. Crossfiring occurs on the secondary side of the ignition system. That would be after the ignition coil, rotor/cap/wires. You're pretty much wasting your time retrofitting in that distributor.

[bob77]

Well, you're probably right. More likely than not will not make the truck run any better. If nothing else, however, as long as it runs just as well, having the coil off of the side of the block will tidy up the engine compartment a bit. I have been working at cleaning up the engine compartment (tidying up the routing of wires/ vacuum lines, and also painting).