Brasso wrote:
> I am assuming you are referring to the rubber insulation that protects the
> the wire from chafing on the dizzy body. My guess is that the heat source
> is not the engine, but the wire itself. Remove the dist cap. Rotate the
> engine until the points close. Turn on the ignition and check the wire. Is
> it getting hot? If it is getting unreasonably hot, chances are your ballast
> resitor/coil is the culprit. Changed coils lately?
>

Brasso has a fair point. The stock Bosch coil
has an internal ballast. Some replacement coils need an external
ballast or they will overheat.
So, if the coil is original, it shouldn't overheat.

Jim

>
> "187" > wrote in message
> lkaboutautos.com...
>
>>ive got a 71 std. beetle 1600 dp manual trans.
>>im having a problem with the rubber isolator going into the dist.
>>melting.
>>i've determined that its melting from the outside(wires are not blackish,
>>still look like new copper)
>>it seems to be cooling ok, or at least the fan is blowing strong.
>>im wondering if the thermostat could have anything to do with this or if
>>maybe carb. adjustment or timing could be the cause
>>the car runs great untill the rubber melts and the wire inside grounds out
>>stopping spark.
>>it has a bosch coil, the dist. is original except for points and cond. the
>>rest of the ignition system is aftermarket.
>>thanks in advance for any replies
>>matt
>>
>>
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