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Engine Bay Rat F*cked - Advice

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Huntro, Mar 31, 2020.

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  1. Mar 31, 2020 at 1:53 PM
    #1
    Huntro

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    Huntro [OP] Active Member

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    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

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    Huntro, Mar 31, 2020
    #1
  2. Mar 31, 2020 at 1:54 PM
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    Lunabird

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    Lunabird Well-Known Member

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    Damn that sucks. I was lucky and only got dinged with a $300 bill when rats chewed some wires.
     
    Lunabird, Mar 31, 2020
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  3. Mar 31, 2020 at 1:58 PM
    #3
    Huntro

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    Huntro [OP] Active Member

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    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.
     
    Huntro, Mar 31, 2020
    #3
  4. Mar 31, 2020 at 1:58 PM
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    Claudiomartinof

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    Claudiomartinof Well-Known Member

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    Mother F rodents........
     
    Claudiomartinof, Mar 31, 2020
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  5. Mar 31, 2020 at 1:58 PM
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    Bertw192

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    Bertw192 Well-Known Member

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    All the things!
    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.
     
    Bertw192, Mar 31, 2020
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  6. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:01 PM
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    Rock Lobster

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    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    Rock Lobster, Mar 31, 2020
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  7. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:02 PM
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    koditten

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    koditten Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    koditten, Mar 31, 2020
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  8. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:03 PM
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    Sungod

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    Sungod Well-Known Member

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

    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.
     
    Sungod, Mar 31, 2020
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  9. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:03 PM
    #9
    uurx

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    uurx Well-Known Member

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    how long has this thing been sitting without use??

    that is impressive work, no way is this truck being used daily... is it???
     
    uurx, Mar 31, 2020
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  10. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:07 PM
    #10
    Bryanccfshr

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    Bryanccfshr Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    Bryanccfshr, Mar 31, 2020
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  11. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:09 PM
    #11
    uurx

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    uurx Well-Known Member

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    some outdoors cats would prob help combat these little rat fuckers
     
    uurx, Mar 31, 2020
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  12. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:10 PM
    #12
    Huntro

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    Huntro [OP] Active Member

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    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
     
    Huntro, Mar 31, 2020
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  13. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:10 PM
    #13
    surfandturf

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    surfandturf Well-Known Member

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    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
     
    surfandturf, Mar 31, 2020
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  14. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:15 PM
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    jmneill

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    jmneill Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    jmneill, Mar 31, 2020
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  15. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:15 PM
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    ThaiChillyTaco

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    ThaiChillyTaco David aka Chilly aka Booty Freak

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    ThaiChillyTaco, Mar 31, 2020
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  16. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:16 PM
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    koditten

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    koditten Well-Known Member

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    koditten, Mar 31, 2020
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  17. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:16 PM
    #17
    BalutTaco

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    BalutTaco Moja_Przygoda

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    Toyota still using soy wire? or was it due to the fruit tree?
     
    BalutTaco, Mar 31, 2020
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  18. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:17 PM
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    jmneill

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    jmneill Well-Known Member

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    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...
     
    jmneill, Mar 31, 2020
    #18
  19. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:20 PM
    #19
    iwashmycar

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    iwashmycar a lot

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    Wouldnt this still end up on a CarFax if you claim it?
     
    iwashmycar, Mar 31, 2020
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  20. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:23 PM
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    YotaFAB

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    YotaFAB Well-Known Member

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    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
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2020
    YotaFAB, Mar 31, 2020
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