[Dave at Pelican Parts]

There are lubrication points inside the distributor. There is a specific Bosch distributor grease that goes on the rubbing block of the points. Just a tiny speck is enough. The felt pad in the distributor shaft (under the rotor) also gets a drop or two of motor oil, and this helps to keep the advance mechanism lubricated.

Do you think that anything more than friction is causing this? The engine does get hot, but hot enough to melt plastic is excessive! If you have an IR thermometer you might check the temperature of the distributor.

--DD