MtnHermit

I'm seeking a solution to ground squirrels building a nest in my fan box. They get into the inlet cowl via the drain "tubes" for the cowl. I'm hoping a forum member has solved this problem and has a "Been there, Done that" solution.

Here's the problem:



Which of course blows the thermal diode of the fan resistor.



This is the solution I used on my Tundra. But I had to remove the fan box, which breaks the AC freon line. Like not to remove the fan box on the Cherokee.



Any ideas?

Thanks

Oswalla

Shove one of these in there, or make one out same material you used before. Make it oversize, should stay without screws.

MtnHermit

Damm, that's a good idea!!! I'll do that tomorrow and report back.

Thanks

Oswalla

It was fresh in my mind from replacing 2 of these on my gutters, rusted out.

MtnHermit

I was unable to find expanded aluminum screen, as suggested, to fill the air plenum upstream of the fan, so I took more drastic steps.

I went from above and drilled two holes in the cowl, then used a jig saw with a metal cutting blade.





This hole is big enough for my hand but not the screen.



This is the shroud that prevents water from getting into the fan plenum.



I inserted the steel screen from the drivers side of the cowl and used RTV to glue it to the shroud.

Not the most elegant solution but "hopefully" it'll keep the critters out of the fan.

cruiser54

Small box of D-Con duct taped in the engine bay.

SteveMongr

Little critters..

cruiser54

Another great place to put D-Con. Kinda like welcome wagon for new residents but with desired results.

MtnHermit

That photo got me curious, so I opened the filter box. Just a little dirt and my filter was considerably cleaner than yours, so I may not replace it after-all.