[cutiger]

I recently experienced the positive battery cable to the starter solenoid shorting out and killing my battery, not to mention melting all of the insulation off both battery cables. It appears that the cable came in contact with either the motor mount or exhaust manifold. It also appears as though the cable was not routed through the special metal sleeve between the block and manifold that is supposed to protect it from heat. When I replaced the cable I put it through the sleeve along with the other 2 wires going to the starte solenoid. I spoke with the previous owner and he had the same problem, except that the cable was routed in the sleeve. He indicated that this is a common problem for these cars. There is very little clearance at the solenoid when it is in its final location for all the wires and connectors. If this is a common problem, some of you must have had it and potentially solved it. Is there some sort of material (like asbestos) that I could cover the cables with to minimize their exposure to heat. This looks like a bad design. Is there a permanent solution to this problem? Help. I don't want a fire!!