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I needed to get at some wiring behind the instrument panel on my m38 yesterday.Took the four screws out and eased the panel forward .There was a sudden strong smell of an ether like substance .Have i broken something .......any ideas what it could be ?

I'd guess that you smelled ozone that was generated when you shorted out a hot wire. Possible?

Do you have a mechanical temp gauge in the panel? If you do the capillary tube broke.
John

Always disconnect battery before fooling around with or under the dash is a good habit.

yep the battery was out at the time .Just checked the temp guage tube and i guess it must have gone brittle with age ....cracked. Tnx for all who replied.

Just a parting shot ......can the unit be repaired or is it a complete replacement job including the clock ? ......ive a bad feeling somebodys gonna tell me theyre unobtainable or 500 bucks for a new one .

The capillary tube type temp gauge is not original. The original used an electric sender and an electric gauge. So there's no need to invest in an expensive professional repair of the broken capillary (mechanical type) type temp gauge. If you wish to stay with that type gauge they can be had for $15 to $25 which is a lot less thana $100 plus repair.

Good news indeed .....thanks wes.