Sounds high to me.
37 amps going through the ignition switch 'start' contacts ?

just doesn't sound likely to me.
there are two levels of current btw ..in the solenoid circuit..
one is the energize current., the other ...less I believe,  is the 'hold'
current.

mark drillock could comment on that.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Alofs" <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2011 6:20 PM
Subject: Re: Start Issue with Hard Start Relay

A while back I connected a starter to a car battery so that I could
measure the current in that solenoid circuit.  It seems to me that it
was around 37 amps.  That is an awful lot thru a 1/4 inch push-on
connector as well as the ignition switch.  If the crimp of that
connector to the wire is a little corroded, the resistance will
produce a lot of heat.  If anyone else has measured this current, I
would welcome confirmation or refutation.

Larry A.

On Sun, Mar 6, 2011 at 6:19 PM, Michael Sullivan <sandwichhead@gmail.com>
wrote:
> Just getting ready to put in the Hard Start Relay and noticed this wire on
> my new Bosch starter with some melted plastic. Just installed the new
> battery and ign switch and wondering if I should go fwd with the install
> or
> switch out the starter first. Thanks to all.
> Michael in San Antonio
> 91GL Weekender AT 2.1L 'Gringo'
>