2014 Mustang GT - Air filter chewed by rodent

Kpbeard77

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Guys I need some advice. A rodent crawled up in my filter housing and chewed the paper filter (see attached pictures). The car stalled and pegged on multiple issues due to the filter being sucked into the throttle body. I pulled the housing, throttle body, and vacuumed out all the debris. The car seems to run ok now (no O2 sensor faults) but the idle rpms jump around often and the cat efficiency pegged after running it for a few miles. I'm going to change the plugs this weekend and see if there's any other damage. Do you have any advice or suggestions?
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BEAST

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Damn!! I would pull plugs and make sure all looks good with a small borescope if you can. Swap in a fresh set and go blow the crap out of it with a spirited driving session. Rinse and repeat if needed.
 

oldVOR

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The paper should go through the engine without too much fuss and not cause any damage. Unfortunately, the paper will plug up the converters since it can't get through that point. I don't think the paper will burn off and it may end up fouling the converters.
 

Kpbeard77

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I have a fresh set of plugs waiting to go in right now. I figure on cleaning the MAS and throttle body again. Then it'll be a blow and go drive. If nothing else it'll get me smiling. [emoji16] Thanks for the reply Beast. Any other thoughts, please post. [emoji106]

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The paper should go through the engine without too much fuss and not cause any damage. Unfortunately, the paper will plug up the converters since it can't get through that point. I don't think the paper will burn off and it may end up fouling the converters.
That's the problem I think I'm going to have so after this weekend's plug change and cleanout, if it still throws the cat codes I'll have to have them replaced.

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BEAST

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If they are plugged, gut them. Then double stack some "Spark Plug Spacers", drill the top one out so the O2 sensor fits in and threads tight. Stuff the bottom one full of steel wool and install in the bung. I have done this in several vehicles when the cats fail. Bonus you now have high flow cats. :)
 

hotrod69boss

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Hey kp I live in a suburban area. We always keep our hoods raised-part way or fully open. This seems to deter rats and other rodents-they cannot hide that way. I have tried moth balls , red fox urine , and cotton balls soaked in peppermint with some success. On an older Camry we had I put some steel wool in the air intake tube. Rats do not seem to try to chew it up. Good luck.
 

Kpbeard77

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Thanks for the suggestions. I did change the plugs which looked pretty bad, and cleaned the throttle body and Mass Airflow Sensor. Ran good for about 50 miles, then I threw some codes.

I have them cleared for now, but I'm logging every drive to see if I can find where it's going wrong. I still have the power train warranty, but I know the O2 sensors are no longer covered (2year 20,000 mile) but the cats are covered (up to 80,000 miles). I guess I'll just have to see what flags and take it to the dealership if it doesn't work right.
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Kpbeard77

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So a little update. The fuse blew to my amp, and I went to replace it with a new Maxi fuse. I went to out the first one in and it blew immediately. Disconnected the battery, replaced the fuse, reconnected the battery and it arced and blew again. Feeling dumb, looked down by the engine block and saw the amp wire stuck to the side, insulation partially melted. Pulled it back, reinsulated it and tied it up. All codes cleared, so I reset all codes. It's still learning to idle again, but the codes are still clear for now.
It figures once I set up an appt with the service department I'd find it. [emoji23][emoji23] I'll drive it for a week and then cancel it if all is good.

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AndrewNagle

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So a little update. The fuse blew to my amp, and I went to replace it with a new Maxi fuse. I went to out the first one in and it blew immediately. Disconnected the battery, replaced the fuse, reconnected the battery and it arced and blew again. Feeling dumb, looked down by the engine block and saw the amp wire stuck to the side, insulation partially melted. Pulled it back, reinsulated it and tied it up. All codes cleared, so I reset all codes. It's still learning to idle again, but the codes are still clear for now.
It figures once I set up an appt with the service department I'd find it. [emoji23][emoji23] I'll drive it for a week and then cancel it if all is good.

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Good to hear you got it figured out
 

Kpbeard77

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Final follow up. Took it in for warranty work. Mass Airflow Sensor was bad and the PCV valve was sticking. $100 for diagnosis and repaired under extended warranty. Got her back running like she should! [emoji16]
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Kpbeard77

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Cat codes came back, but I took it back to the dealership and they replaced them on the extended warranty. [emoji16][emoji16][emoji106]

Just got it back 2 days ago, first thing I did was remove the sound tube and plug it off. [emoji16]

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dre256

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That's great the cats where covered by warranty!
 

Gabe

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Cats were probably covered under the federal 8/80 emissions warranty that also covers the PCM.

My beef is with you paying the $100 diagnosis fee when you had the warranty work done.
Sounds like you either have a $100 deductible or the dealership is practicing some unscrupulous shit, cuz if the repair is covered, so is the diagnosis.
At least that's how it is with Ford extended warranties (PremiumCare, ExtraCare, PowertrainCare)
 

Kpbeard77

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Cats were probably covered under the federal 8/80 emissions warranty that also covers the PCM.

My beef is with you paying the $100 diagnosis fee when you had the warranty work done.
Sounds like you either have a $100 deductible or the dealership is practicing some unscrupulous shit, cuz if the repair is covered, so is the diagnosis.
At least that's how it is with Ford extended warranties (PremiumCare, ExtraCare, PowertrainCare)
hmm didn't think of that. I'll check the paperwork and see what it says from my first visit. I'm glad I got it back and the only thing I have is the base dealership extended warranties so maybe that's why it isn't covered? IDK. I figured I'd be going with mods and a tune once the warranty was up anyway so that's why I didn't get the additional add ons.

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