Tundra Squirrel Threat

My 3rd Tundra is a 2019 CrewMax - apx 23k miles - squirrels nested between fuel tank and bed - chewed through fuel lines - fuel lines are integral to tank - have to replace entire tank - apparently the lines are made of something tasty to squirrels- not covered by warranty
- $1,800 to repair - Toyota refuses to warranty = lousy engineering - lines made of some soft plastic not unlike your ice-maker- not shielded - can’t be replaced or repaired - flipping infuriating! Rethinking Toyota brand!

 

Sorry to hear about the damage Jbowl, but it seems like just a random act of squirrel violence, and not a reoccurring problem that you can really blame Toyota for.

 

That sucks! Trying peppermint oil, pine sol, and pink dove bar soap here. My engine compartment smells like a perfume factory.

 

Well, apparently rodent damage is not too unusual. Dealership says it happens quite a bit and not only to fuel lines, also expensive wire harnesses. My frustration derives of this being pretty easily protected against. Suspect the peanut based insulation is deemed more biodegrade.

 

Or just make the lines replaceable!

 

I have squirrel tracks all over my dirty engine cover. My only damage is to one plug coil which, thank god, I was able to repair. Not to discredit anyone recommending anything less, but you literally have to use pepper spray (MACE) to keep rodents out 100%. Just remember you hosed it down (and you will) the next time you open the hood to put a wrench on it.

 

Totally agree about the wiring harnesses, see them here all the time. This is the first time I've seen the fuel lines eaten, did the truck sit for a long time?

 

I’m the guy who goes out of his way to feed the little buggers! No gratitude in squirrel world apparently!

 

Truck spent the summer protected in the garage - only out on the driveway for a couple months! No one in N America is safe!

 

I had squirrel or mouse damage a few years ago to my main harness!!

 

I ended up wrapping everything with Hondas anti-mouse electrical tape.

 

To the OP it's not just a toyota problem. Most manufacturers are using wire loom and insulation made of soy now which rodents like. I imagine the plastic flex fuel lines are the same.

 

Try this

 

You might try a non Toyota mechanic, they might fix instead of replacing the whole tank

 

The squirrels around here mock and throw nuts at my buddy who lives next door - maybe I’m just collateral damage?!

 

Couple of Months parked outside unattended is definitely way too long in some locations, I've had mice get under the hood and start to nest after just a week of not driving it.

 

Frickin Monsanto strikes again.