Melted X carriage?

I'm using a Durbie Prusa Mendel, and I kept having to tighten the extruder on the carriage.

I finally noticed that the carriage itself was distorted, as shown here. I don't know if it's because of the repeated tightening, or if it's from heat.

I've seen other people say they don't run the extruder fan for ABS, so I haven't been running it. Should I run it to help protect the carriage?

Thanks;
Rick

You are running with heat sufficient to freely flow abs, near abs. Using a fan pointed at the cool end of your hotend, as well as the carriage will help to protect both from excess heat. You do not necessarily need to have this fan blowing on the work.

Maxx Mayhem Wrote:
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> You are running with heat sufficient to freely
> flow abs, near abs. Using a fan pointed at the
> cool end of your hotend, as well as the carriage
> will help to protect both from excess heat. You do
> not necessarily need to have this fan blowing on
> the work.

OK, thanks: I must have misunderstood the idea of not running it for ABS. I have a fan on the extruder, not the workpiece, and I'll use it.