help with the fusible link wire smoking under the dash as i drive

I had a similar issue with my Duster and could not figure out where the problem was. I unwrapped the tape from the engine bay wiring harness and followed every wire in the harness and they were all in good shape. I still had the problem. I then ended up pulling out the instrument cluster and discovered that the alternator gauge post was broke off on the gauge. I just got a different cluster with a good gauge, but until I finish restoring it I will not be using it in my car but I ended up bypassing the instrument alternator gauge by connecting a wire from the battery post on my alternator to the battery positive post, therefore bypassing the gauge altogether. No more charging issues and no more hot wires. I also replaced the alternator, voltage regulator, Ballast resistor, Starter Relay, and Battery in my quest to pin down the problems.