Smoke coming from ignition column

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SAP1
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Post Tue Jun 18, 2013 11:31 pm

Hi when I drive my e30 it cuts out and backfires and then I can see smoke coming from the ignition column area. Any idea what it could be?
Thanks
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wullie325i
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Post Tue Jun 18, 2013 11:44 pm

exhaust manifold
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Chris_B86
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Post Wed Jun 19, 2013 11:29 am

I'd be stripping the cowling off and checking the wiring on the ignition barrell. It's not about having a car fire
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milescook
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Post Wed Jun 19, 2013 11:44 am

I've learnt something today - what a backfire is :D I'm not afraid to admit.

More interestingly, see further down for list of causes, particularly number 2... :eek:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back-fire

Get your bottom steering cowling cover off, only two plus head screws from memory (longish screwdriver needed to reach them). See if anything there looks more burnt and melted than usual...
The story so far... http://www.cookracing.co.uk/

Also please help the race budget by watching some videos :) https://www.youtube.com/cookracinguk
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SAP1
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Post Wed Jun 19, 2013 12:32 pm

yeah actually it could be the ignition switch wiring because if the resistance is high that means more heat is being created so ill try that. thanks for the advice :D