Engine Bay Rat F*cked - Advice

Sooooo stoked, as you can see by the photos.

So I’m currently sitting at about $600 in damage so far without replacement of the firewall insulation ($100 over deductible). That included engine cleaning, new cabin air filter, dropping a/c motor, a/c refresh, and new engine cover.

Firewall insulation is a $200 part, but $3000 in labor to drop the engine in order to replace it. Dealership is saying it’s mostly cosmetic. However once I talk to the insurance adjuster, if they agree to pay for replacement of the firewall insulation, would you go through with it? I’m wondering if I have the dealership drop the engine it will lead to potential problems in the future?

What would you do:
a) don’t even claim it
b) claim it but pocket the cash
c) drop the engine, returning everything to new

TIA

 

Damn that sucks. I was lucky and only got dinged with a $300 bill when rats chewed some wires.

 

Id say I’m more that irritated, for sure. When I saw the rotten guava on the cover there, I knew I needed to chat with my neighbors. At least they’re kind enough to agree to let me place traps in their yard. I also got somewhat of a promise to cleanup all their “composted” fruit.

 

Mother F rodents........

 

based solely on the photos... I would NOT replace the firewall insulation and I would not replace the engine cover... I would not claim any of this on the insurance. As you alluded to, dropping the engine may lead to future issues. Dealers are not always known for their attention to detail.

 

I wouldnt claim. Fix filter and repack engine cowl yourself. Have A/C serviced. Cut out damaged sections of firewall barrier and replace. No need to go with the engine drop, IMO.

$70 uxcell 394mil 32.29sqft Car Auto Firewall Heat Sound Deadener Insulation Mat 118" x 40"

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-32-29sqft-Firewall-Deadener-Insulation/dp/B072WHC63F

 

I'd find an independent that can drop the engine and replace the insulation. Offer him $1000 and you pocket the rest to because you have to borrow/rent a vehicle.

 

I didn't know people still used the word "stoked" as an adjective !

My goodness how long was that sitting? Looks like they made quite a home. Rats are some vial creatures and leave some nasty things behind their destruction. I don't think I would go as far as having the engine pulled just to replace some insulation. I would probably clean the hell out of the duct work and replace the fan motor. You don't want old rat droppings blowing in your face the day you decide to turn the fan on high.

 

how long has this thing been sitting without use??

that is impressive work, no way is this truck being used daily... is it???

 

I wouldn’t claim or drop the engine. Do the other repairs make sure everything is safe clean and functional and move on. I had a similar even when my wife left a bag of birdseed in the trunk of her 3 series a few years ago. Caught it early thankfully. With just the hood insulation damaged and some cleaning .

You can happily live with the truck but if you decide to trade or sell your car fax will not have that insurance claim, that would be more of a stigma than anything.

 

some outdoors cats would prob help combat these little rat fuckers

 

Thanks. According to insurance so far, this is not “at fault.” Therefore they’re saying my premiums will not be impacted. My claims guy was actually encouraging me to go the direction of dropping the engine

 

I did a claim when chipmunks ate some engine bay wiring. It was covered by insurance less the deductible. I then went on a chipmunk killing spree.

Good luck.

I'd claim and have it done right. Assuming you will have the truck for a long time

 

Can't speak for the OP, but I've had this happen to a daily. The vermin rode out the days in the cabin filter and did their gathering by night.
Fucking mess.

 

Damn Rats love Taco's too

 

Them some big TRDs.

 

Toyota still using soy wire? or was it due to the fruit tree?

 

The warmth of the engine bay on cold winter nights is always the primary factor.

I suppose the fact it's dry is also a bonus, but I've had rats nest in my gutters, so there's that...

 

Wouldnt this still end up on a CarFax if you claim it?

 

That sucks!!!! it happened to me, they chewed a ton of electrical, and fuels lines all over. Started the car and had a Check engine so I turned it off and got scanner... it had cam sensor code and smog. weird so i started it again and smelled gas. Turned it off immediately and looked under the truck to see the fuel was dumping . I had it towed to a shop told me to go through insurance to see what they say. my insurance company (allstate) covered it under my comprehensive insurance policy with no hit to at all. It was about 2200 to fix