Nissan Repair: 1990 Nissan 300ZX TT Instrument Cluster, nissan 300zx tt, 1990 nissan 300zx

Question
I have a problem with my instrument panel. I was tapping behind the panel because the boost gauge wasn't reading, to see if maybe it got pegged. While doing this I think I shorted between two screws and blew a fuse. However, there are no relays that I can find or fuses that have anything do with the instrument panel. Is there an in-line fuse or link somewhere that may have blown or should I be looking for another problem, The car still runs and drives as normal, and everything around the panel works, just no gauges. Also after the car cools down from driving and I start it back up it blows smoke thru the pipes, can you list a couple things that might cause this, it doesn't do this after it warms up from driving. Thanks for any help you may be able to provide.

Answer
Glen,

The first thing is the two posts you bridged when tapping on the boost gauge from behind.  It is probably the nine volt resistor that feeds the power to the instrument cluster.  Also, change the instrument fuse anyway along with the resistor.

The second thing is the smoke.  This is caused by old valve seals and it could be and most probably is the turbo seals.  If you are not leaking oil change out your oil and use Mobil 1 5W30 synthetic and the oil burning should be reduced.  If the car leaks or seeps oil do not use synthetic as it will find any possible place to leak out.  I do not like saying it but you probably need the turbos rebuilt.  Turbo City in Anaheim, California is cheap and they do good work.  I have been to their rebuild facility and they do excellent rebuilding and their parts and labor are cheap.