s o wrote:
hi,
3. when I first take off the cowling, there's a faint smell of gas, is
this normal?

thanks

s o

Yes, a minute smell of gas fumes will be there, because of the
carburators being enclosed under the cowl. if you see the carbs
dripping, thats not a good sign, but the fumes will always be there.

Concerning the wire? it copulg be an overheat alarm, but not sure.