I just recently picked up a 84 z28 camaro and it was running fine then the float in the carb hung up so I changed the carb and in the process of adjusting the carb(trying to crank it) I think I might have got the ignition to hot and smoke started coming out from under the dash. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem and if they have solved the issue any help would be appreciated

 

Well first of all you will need to get under the dash and find out what the damage is.

 

I got under there and was looking around and found wires with melted surround but its from other wires I could not find any naked/melted wires

 

As Edward suggests, you will need to find the source of the smoke. If it happened during cranking, my guess would be on a component that is getting old and creating a lot of resistance in the path of the starter solenoid current and builds up heat. So you are not likely looking for a wire but the ignition switch, neutral safety switch, butt connectors or anything that can create a bad contact.

My best (and at the same time my worst) advice would be to:
1) grab a fire extinguisher
2) put on some goggles
3) lay under the dash (with the extinguisher within easy reach)
4) crank the engine and watch for smoke and listen for crack/pop/sizzle

Let us know what you find.
Lou

 

Ok thanks guys I will try that when I get home

 

i found out the aftermarket tach had shorted out and was causing issues now i need to figure out how to get the dash out to repair the wiring any ideas or write ups or how tos?

 

Glad you found the problem.
I would recommend searching here on TGO for instructions on how to disassemble the dash. You might not even have to pull the whole dash, depending on where and how the tach is installed.

 

Yea the way they wired it they used the fuse for wipers the wipers still work but must have melted to the temp gauge wires cause when I turn the wipers on the temp gauge goes up and down with the wipers lol the burnt wires are in the harness behind the cluster I took out the cluster but there isn't enough room behind it to do anything

 

Also what is TGO?

 

Thirdgen.org

JamesC

 

i feel like a asshat lol