1973 dodge charger se 318 engine with mice.

[davidrobertson1]

So.... I made a deal with my grandpa a while ago. Hes giving me 5000 dollars to fix this car... and in return, l`ll inherit it. He removed the carburetor 10 years ago, and some mice built a nest inside the engine block. We dug out the nest, but should we rebuild the engine? Or spray starter fluid inside and ignite it to incinerate the remains? Its not it great condition, but if I cleaned it out, added a carb and air filter, changed the fluids, and charged the battery, would it be safe to try and make it run? Ill post pics soon.

[davidrobertson1]

[supercrackerbox]

I would at very least take the intake off and clean out what you can. After sitting that long, your gaskets are likely dried out and will leak like mad anyway.

[chryguy]

I second pulling the intake to see how far down they went with the nest...

I'd seal the top of the intake real good and hose-down the engine compartment before working on it anymore.

Or, put on a good quality dust mask and some safety goggles (not just glasses) and blow all the dust out of the engine compartment.

I think the wet method would probably be better for your health and getting it clean.

Of course wash the clothes your wearing after the clean-up.

Mouse mess dust can make you sick. I've heard lots of stories over the years.

And sometimes it can kill ya'...

Hanta Virus...

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9510/kille...l?_s=PM:HEALTH

http://www.outsideonline.com/adventu...-Outbreak.html

CG

[supercrackerbox]

And on that note, if they were in the engine bay, they were in the interior too. You can clean the plastic with soap and bleach, but anything foam or cloth may need to be burned and replaced.

[83scamp]

And on that note, if they were in the engine bay, they were in the interior too. You can clean the plastic with soap and bleach, but anything foam or cloth may need to be burned and replaced.

+1 on that!

My Scamp was stored in a barn less than 6 months during a move, and when I got it out, I couldn't believe all the places they got into. The seats were destroyed, and I cleaned up mouse crap for two weeks. Tore most of the interior out trying to get it all. Even then, I still found remenants when I did the full-on restoration this last year...

[moparman76_69]

I wouldn't bother trying to start it. I had a Dakota with a 3.9 that had a nest in the air cleaner. PO started it sucking part of it in and it trashed the engine. I found mouse droppings in the oil pan. Also a plus one to cleaning it thoroughly before working on it.