The bad part about a block heater, country living and mice...

[Aonar]

Caught one in there so far. I realized they had arrived because I could see small blue bits on the battery cover. While inspecting I saw the mice poop. About 8 years ago my 2012 developed issues and we discovered that the mice had nibbled wires. HOPEFULLY this does not occur again. Hence the war footing.

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[Aonar]

Have unsuccessfully tried CabFresh, Peppermint oil and other products.

 

[Vanburi]

I hear irish spring bar soap is pretty effective.

 

[Mad Hatter]

Does the nice, 24/7 warm engine block provide a Michelin-5-star nesting place to mice during winter--especially if one parks outdoors?

I've always thought that the engine block heater--which I always forget to order--would be a nice accessory in the dead of winter, but now I'm not so sure...

On the other hand, those living along the Canadian/US border, like in upper state NY, and above--where it gets REALLY COLD --probably correctly consider that daily use of the block heater during winter is more important than occasional rodents.

 

[Aonar]

Does the nice, 24/7 warm engine block provide a Michelin-5-star nesting place to mice during winter--especially if one parks outdoors?

I've always thought that the engine block heater--which I always forget to order--would be a nice accessory in the dead of winter, but now I'm not so sure...

On the other hand, those living along the Canadian/US border, like in upper state NY, and above--where it gets REALLY COLD --probably correctly consider that daily use of the block heater during winter is more important than occasional rodents.

Just a small note: I only have it kick on 3 hours B4 drive time of 5AM. And having a diesel, I do deem it necessary in NW Iowa

 

[Sublime]

You're in Iowa, why is a block heater needed? We don't even plug in our semi trucks til around 10+ and they sit outside.

 

[Aonar]

You're in Iowa, why is a block heater needed? We don't even plug in our semi trucks til around 10+ and they sit outside.

In another thread I have given some examples of temps at around 25-30 (nothing colder here yet) degrees and the coolant/oil temps when plugged in vs not plugged in. I see no reason NOT to have my fluids warmer when I start the engine. Granted plugged in at 25-30 is not needed but... Well, I guess the mice are a good reason not to plug in! IF there is another negative consequence to warmer temps at start-up I would be willing to reconsider. UPPDATE post #16-Timer for Engine Block Heater so as not to waste electricity | Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) - Rubicon, Sahara, Sport, 4xe, 392 - JLwranglerforums.com

 

[Heimkehr]

I've always thought that the engine block heater--which I always forget to order--would be a nice accessory in the dead of winter, but now I'm not so sure...

Even though my JLU lives in a garage, I ticked that particular option box. Why not, I thought.

For a little while, a neighborhood cat or two would shimmy up on to the still-warm valve cover of Offspring's Honda during winter evenings. They were always gone in the mornings -- I'd check -- but it was just the cost of doing business since that vehicle had to park on the driveway. No damage ever observed, just paw prints on the plastic trim pieces.

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