Smoke under the dash

[lectricman87]

Hey Guys

Been a while since I've been on here. I did finally get my 74 BGT on the road. It runs great. well it runs great but as of today it doesn't start great. I drove it to work and came out to start it , when I hit the starter smoke poured out from under the dash. I push started it and it ran fine all the way home. I have replaced the ignition switch when I first started on it a couple of months ago. now I think it is gone again. I need to find out what is causing this to happen before I replace it again. any help??

 

[trrdster2000]

lectricman87, check you ground strap between the motor and the engine mount, take it off and sand both surfaces and the strap too. Just a shot in the dark on this, but with all the amps the starter pulls, it may be looking for a ground. Wayne

 

[lectricman87]

That sounds like a good place to start. It also may explain the windshield wipers. they work most of the time on high but only sometimes on low. I thought the reason might be because there is a bad spot in the harness somewhere. The turn signals lost the hot wire and I rerouted a new one so they work. thanks for the idea

 

[maynard]

Now you've done it! How do you expect Lucas electrics to work when you'rve let the smoke out of the wires? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonono.gif

 

[Steve_S]

Check your wiring carefully. You may have a short somewhere. Examine each wire carefully and use a volmeter to check continuity. Wiggle the harness as you do each check. Old wiring is the cause of most relibility problems in older cars. Good luck!