Next year I’m going to pop the cowl first...

[Elkins45]

I hadn’t used the Jon until today this year, and today I went to a small local lake to do some bobber fishing. My 9.9 Evinrude started fine but ran terribly at full throttle. I figured it was bad fuel gumming up the carb, but when I got home and popped the cowl I found this mess:

 

 

I hope I didn’t suck too much of this stuff down the intake. Next year I will remember to “look under the hood” before I pull the rope the first time.

[slonezp]

Did you find the mouse?

[Elkins45]

I did not.

[PAbasser927]

I’ve fallen victim to that a handful of times back in my motocross days.  Quad and dirt bike air boxes are a prime spot for mice to nest for the winter.

[Way north bass guy]

That’s the worst thing about an outboard, no air filter. Doesn’t take much to suck some crap into the engine. 

Bloody mice used to chew the wires inside my old man's old Nissan outboard every winter, till he finally started storing it in the basement. 

On a good note, I pulled mine out of storage last week and not one single dropping anywhere in the boat or motor. Been using mothballs in the boat for years and it seems to work to keep them out, maybe try a few in under the cowl next winter ( but don’t forget to remove them in spring?).

[Way2slow]

Inspect your wiring and hoses closely.  The seem to love chewing up wiring and rubber.  Even a small bite out of a spark plug wire can cause the insulation to breakdown and arc through.  Causing that plug to misfire.

[GreenPig]

I'd be trapping and poisoning some mice. Anything detrimental to my fishing  is dealt with harshly. 

[WRB]

That looks like the back of the engine, no carbs there!

Tom

[Elkins45]

6 hours ago, WRB said:

That looks like the back of the engine, no carbs there!

Tom

True, but it’s a short trip to the front for the loose stuff.

[WRB]

12 minutes ago, Elkins45 said:

True, but it’s a short trip to the front for the loose stuff.

Looks like boat seat cushion filler. The wind going forward and air intake in the front should have kept the nest materials at the rear. Chewed wiring is a big worry with rodents. Good photo!

Tom

 

[riverbasser]

Just a quick tip that I've learned the hard way. Moth balls nor anything else I've found that is rumored to keep mice away work. I used to store boat in my barn but got tired of losing the battle so I bought a carport and placed in the middle of my field where I can cut grass all the way around it.

 

I also let the wife get 2 outside cats. This is the only thing that worked for me