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Post by Paulus17 on Jul 28, 2023 16:39:44 GMT
Hi gang hope everyones well  Mrs P had'nt used the Rav for two weeks, so when we went out in it the other day we got a terrible smell come into the cab when we stopped, when we pulled off it would go but as soon as we stopped it fiolled the cab so the windows were opened, it smelled like Fox poo!! Anyhoo to cut a long story short, my mechy mate popped in earlier and i told him about it so he went and had a look and we found what looks like Rat dropping all over the engine. So what would be the best course of action to get it cleaned and get rid of the smell? Can i jet wash it or will that cause more problems with the leccys or take it somewhere to be done professionally? We just hope there isn't a nest or summat elsewhere as Mrs P hates Rats and is now not keen on driving it  |
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Post by charliefarlie on Jul 28, 2023 16:47:39 GMT
Hi gang hope everyones well Mrs P had'nt used the Rav for two weeks, so when we went out in it the other day we got a terrible smell come into the cab when we stopped, when we pulled off it would go but as soon as we stopped it fiolled the cab so the windows were opened, it smelled like Fox poo!! Anyhoo to cut a long story short, my mechy mate popped in earlier and i told him about it so he went and had a look and we found what looks like Rat dropping all over the engine. So what would be the best course of action to get it cleaned and get rid of the smell? Can i jet wash it or will that cause more problems with the leccys or take it somewhere to be done professionally? We just hope there isn't a nest or summat elsewhere as Mrs P hates Rats and is now not keen on driving it Honda in America had a real problem with rodents chewing wiring because the outer covering of said wires contained a large proportion of soya. Apparently it caused no end of trouble. Anyway re power washing I put plastic bags over the ECU and any wiring and fuse / control boxes. I then spray a strong 50/59 mix of G101 over everything else then leave so the G101 can get to work for say 15 minutes. I then start the engine and immediately power wash it clean. Don’t warm the engine up as it’s inadvisable to blast cold water onto hot parts. I’ve done literally dozens of engines and never had a problem. G101 is excellent for the job and you don’t need expensive engine cleaners 👍 Please note. Do not spray water near the air intake when the engine is running and avoid any electrical boxes and junctions . |
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Post by jasehutch on Jul 28, 2023 17:22:31 GMT
If the engines running I would be very careful not to blast any water into the air intake.
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Post by charliefarlie on Jul 28, 2023 17:57:06 GMT
If the engines running I would be very careful not to blast any water into the air intake. Errrr I kinda thought that was common sense 😳😳 |
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Post by jasehutch on Jul 28, 2023 17:59:52 GMT
Others might not though ?
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Post by charliefarlie on Jul 28, 2023 18:13:14 GMT
Others might not though ? Dunno mate. I almost put don’t point the Lance at certain areas but didn’t think it necessary. Maybe I should have but it’s a case of damned if I do damned if I don’t. |
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Post by firemac on Jul 28, 2023 19:22:31 GMT
Others might not though ? Dunno mate. I almost put don’t point the Lance at certain areas but didn’t think it necessary. Maybe I should have but it’s a case of damned if I do damned if I don’t. No, you’re right to err on the side of caution and mention it. It’s amazing (worrying) how many folk buy a pressure washer and then spray everything in sight at max pressure. I’m not saying that Paul would do that but other people read these threads and maybe aren’t so bright…… Never apologise for being careful, Charlie. 👍😊 |
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Post by charliefarlie on Jul 29, 2023 10:44:02 GMT
Post amended 👍👍
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Post by Paulus17 on Jul 29, 2023 11:59:47 GMT
Thanks for the replies :TU:
Mrs P has found a mobile valetor that will steam clean all the engine bay and do a thorough clean he says.
He also said he would check to see if the Rats have caused any damage to anything and make sure there are no nests anywhere as he said they can get into the vents?
So we shall see on Monday when he comes.
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Post by firemac on Jul 29, 2023 12:14:30 GMT
I remember our last 3-door had a horrible almost sh1tty smell from the aircon when we first bought it. (M)BH suggested that maybe the previous only owner had died in it 😂. Several aircon bombs and a bottle of freshener spray finally banished it. It did momentarily come back now and again. Never did figure out what it was.
There’s nothing worse than bad odours in an enclosed tin can. ☹️
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Post by Paulus17 on Jul 30, 2023 12:32:33 GMT
I remember our last 3-door had a horrible almost sh1tty smell from the aircon when we first bought it. (M)BH suggested that maybe the previous only owner had died in it 😂. Several aircon bombs and a bottle of freshener spray finally banished it. It did momentarily come back now and again. Never did figure out what it was. There’s nothing worse than bad odours in an enclosed tin can. ☹️ Yeah our aircon had a terrible smell when it was on but since we had it re-gassed etc at Toyota earlier this year when we had the MOT done, it has been fine, just a pity the weather hasn't been :no: |
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Post by Paulus17 on Jul 31, 2023 8:53:16 GMT
I have been looking on line now at this problem and it does seem to be a common problem with cars, summat i hadn't heard of before only in old cars that have been left for years but not in cars that are used regularly. So started looking in to how to prevent it, and peppermint oil seems to be the main deterrent sprayed regularly onto the engine bay. Has anyone ever had this issue and tried the peppermint oil or has anything else worked?
I watched one video where he said they nest in the air filter casings and ducts and the rodent can get sucked into the manifold, which given by the strong smell we first encountered probably did happen, or would this have caused engine problems?
Also checked our daughters Yaris Hybrid when she came back last night as she said she had a funny smell over the weekend, and hers also has droppings all over the engine so that's now put her off driving it :yes:
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Post by jasehutch on Jul 31, 2023 9:05:58 GMT
Farmers used to swear by moth balls..
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Post by Paulus17 on Jul 31, 2023 9:27:33 GMT
Farmers used to swear by moth balls.. Blimey how big are the moths  Just looked on line Jase and says they have no affect on rodents at all, in fact they would eat the moth ball?? |
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Post by firemac on Jul 31, 2023 10:00:40 GMT
Farmers used to swear by moth balls.. Blimey how big are the moths  Just looked on line Jase and says they have no affect on rodents at all, in fact they would eat the moth ball??  |
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