[merblaine]

Recently I have had a problem with gray smoke billowing from under the glove compartment while driving. After this happened twice we disconnected some wires under the glove compartment (see picture) and that stopped the smoking.
But, what are the wires? And the gray boxes? Dad didn't know; the manual I have is for newer Spiders, and I couldn't find anything in it about wiring in that area.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[PAUGNUT1275]

I believe that it has something to do with the Cat overheat light. I think that when the cat overheats, it blinks for awhile and then, when the fuse blows, it stays on. Do you still have the original cat in place with the temp probe in it?
Put a modern cat on the car, and get rid of all this prehistoric wiring.
KG

 

[merblaine]

Hm, I actually just had the exhaust system redone and a new catalytic converter for smog. Second cat since I've owned the car, but the smoke is new.

 

[PAUGNUT1275]

Wow,
It seems really unlikely that you'd need 2 cats during the life of the car. Unless you've got a lot of contaminated gas, it sounds like you're engine is running too rich and your mechanics have chosen to replace everything. The original "pancake" style cat used a temperature probe that was connected to that fancy fuse block. The pancake cat is no longer made, so your mechanic has probably used a modern replacement. The fuse block and all it's wiring can be removed. Is your mechanic an Alfa specialist?
KG

 

[merblaine]

Sorry, I made that a bit confusing--2nd cat as in, the first one was the one that was there when I bought the car (at which point I had to have a "catectomy" on) and this new one. I needed the new one for smog (second time in a year thanks to the ridiculous CA DMV system). I take my Alfa to Barber's Shop here in Sac. So, safe to take out all the wiring?

 

[PAUGNUT1275]

Yes, as long as you have a good shop. It sounds like it!!
KG

 

[merblaine]

Thanks a bunch!