Points wire melted - 1969 LeMans

[jackk]

I bought a 1969 LeMans with a 350 in November. Drove it home, a 3 hour drive. It sat for about a month. Then I had this issue where it would run fine and then stall. This could happen at any speed and warm or cold.

It is not rare, right now I can't keep it running for more than about 20 seconds.

I thought it might be a gas problem, so I replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter and rebuilt the carb. No difference in my problem. Dwell and timing also seemed fine. I've replaced the plugs. I did this as the needed replacement anyway.

Started to think about ignition. I took the cap off and posted the picture here. It seems odd to me that this wire has no insulation and was corroded. The someone put tape on it. As you can see there is some rust in there. Odd, because the car has very little rust anywhere else.

Maybe this is the source of my problem?

Best solution an electronic module, HEI?

Comments? It seems odd to me.

 

[dheupel]

If there is rust in there, might want to replace the points and distributor cap. Those aren't too expensive, maybe $35 for the pair.

 

[melsg5]

cheapest solution is to replace the wire, replace the points, replace the condensor, lightly lubricate the weight pivots and weights with some 20w oil. If the contacts in the cap and rotor look worn replace them also.