Relay melting from the inside?

[85tr]

Just got the car back on the road after a year and a half and all has been good. Took it out Friday and there were no problems. Took it out Saturday morning and had no brakes and brake light was on.
Found the a/c fuse to be blown and when replaced would pop instantly with the key on. Pulled the relay and it had a bunch of black tar like crap all down the harness but nothing melted on the plug or harness. Cleaned things up and all is well again. Is the relay on its way out?

 

[turbofrank]

That black goo is there to protect the relay from corrosion doubtful that's your problem.

 

[captndave737]

Intermittent short somewhere. If it fixes it when you pulled the relay and re plugged it in I'd check that wiring closely.

 

[scgnx2]

That is a 30 + year old relay. Replace it and the connector that mates with it. Casper’s sells replacement versions with pigtails. They are high quality and are properly sealed.

 

[85tr]

Thanks for the input guys. I’m replacing the relay today and will order a new plug as well.

 

[85tr]

All the wiring looks good but I may chase it back into the harness.