Can Mice Plug Up a Muffler?

[Tom Wesenberg]

In case you've ever wonderd why your engine can't breathe and produce the power it should, just look at this muffler, which appears to be plugged solid. I was at Cooley's Statewide Salvage yesterday removing a pair of good rear springs from a 1950 Studebaker Champion, and saw this muffler on the same car. This is why it's a good idea to put a tin can over the tail pipe, or keep a cat in your garage.

BTW, Cooley's is a few miles east of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and about 1/2 mile south of Hy 312. They have 40 acres of old cars and other misc. scrap. This is one of the good old junk yards that saves old cars for the parts, instead of crushing everything after they had it for a few months. I did spot a Model A coupe body, but it looked like ratrod material. I saw a Shay roadster and a Model T roadster in one of the buildings. If you need parts for cars from the 40's, 50's and 60's, this is a pretty good yard. Keith Cooley sets up at Iola and that's where I first met him about 10 years ago, when I bought the Model A engine and cowl from a converted saw rig. I need to return when I get time because I still didn't see it all.

[Joe K]

Not only can they plug up a muffler, they can travel THROUGH the muffler and find themselves in the exhaust manifold, seek out open exhaust valve No. 4, and make their winter home in cylinder No. 4.

I found the problem when the Gordon-Smith compressor/engine was siezed the following spring. (tug, tug why isn't this derned thing turning! - hand on the starter crank.)

Mouse urine is MOST corrosive.

A $700 error on my part? (Well, after rebuild/replacement of the entire topworks of the engine at that time.)

But who would have thunk it?

I now have a 1-3/4" rubber plug I use in the off season.

Joe K

[mshmodela]

OK will save a soup can!

[western77]

I stuff a piece of course steel wool up the pipe. It seems to work and let's a little air to circulate.

[Juggler]

Yup the little buggers will find a way...

[tbirdtbird]

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darned varmints are very destructive.

Worked on a '36 Auburn once. Had sat intact for many yrs. Cooling system NOT opened up. Got it running (man that str8 8 Lycoming was sweet as could be). Ran great the first few miles and then overheated like Hades. Turned out the cooling system was plugged up by a mouse nest or 2. Lower hose no less. Never could figure out how the buggers got in there

[Tom Wesenberg]

I think mice can even sqeeze through the overflow pipe.

It's unreal how small a hole they can fit through.

[Mitch//pa]

i know a guy that eats them from the barbie..
he says they are a delicacy

[mshmodela]

There!



And so I don't forget to remove it!


We have mice but those dang chipmunks!!! I am thankful for Victor Made in USA Rat traps! that do the job on the chipmunks!

[tbirdtbird]

address? I'll send him mine....

[redmodelt]

A few mouse nest in the muffler and a rich mixture = ONE BIG BOOM!