[v12-engine] Egads - Rats

Folks

Not asking a question, just relaying a recent somewhat scary
experience.

I hadn’t driven the xj12 for about ten days and was checking
the fluid levels when I noticed rat droppings on the top of the
battery. On closer inspection I discovered half a dozen leaves
and twigs pushed under the right hand intake manifold. Had a
good close look at the rest of the engine bay and no obvious
damage, took her for a drive and immediately bought a fire
extinguisher.

There’re a lot of things that can go wrong in the v12 and rats
don’t need to chew many of them to cause a lot of grief.

Have taken two precautions to stop it happening again

  • I now always leave the bonnet up. If they feel exposed
    they’re less likely to nest.
  • The aged jaguar is now surrounded by more bromokill than in
    the bromokill factory.

Nothing puckers the sphincter like rats in the engine bay.

Cheers
John–
frogquartet
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In reply to a message from frogquartet sent Tue 15 Nov 2016:

Not sure if it is urban myth or true but fabric softener sheets
are supposedly a deterrent for rodents.–
stephen davis 1976 XJ-S, 1989 XJR-S, Sl SWB XJ12 x 3
gorae, Australia
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In reply to a message from frogquartet sent Tue 15 Nov 2016:

I do not like rat poison. While it works, you don’t know
where the rodent will die. Could end up inside the car, or in
a wall. And any dead animal will stink for weeks.

I only use a spring loaded rat trap baited with peanut butter.
The traps need to be set where the rodents move. Such as
along the edge of a wall. For your auto, maybe set by the
tires, which they crawl up for access.

SD Faircloth–
www.jaguarfuelinjectorservice.com
Jacksonville, Florida, United States
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In reply to a message from frogquartet sent Tue 15 Nov 2016:

Fling a few mothballs about, (just don’t put them in the
car). Seems to keep rats/mice, etc away and although you
have to get used to the smell as the mothballs offgas the
naphtha it soon disappears while still remaining effective.
I re-fling every 6 months or so. You don’t need to use too
many.–
66 3.4S RHD MOD, 73 E-type 2+2, 90 XJS Con, 95 XJ12, 10 XKR
Wake Forest, NC, United States
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