Check your pee-hole!

[Cal Coon]

I wonder if a squirt of wd40 inside the pee hole would help keep them out. When I store my boat (and snowmobiles), I spray the ENTIRE engine compartment down with wd40, and I have NEVER had a problem with mice or any other critters so far... (fingers crossed), and I have been doing it for 30 plus years. I would definitely plug up that hole when not in use. Maybe do both, wd40 and plug up the pee hole.

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Cal Coon

I wonder if a squirt of wd40 inside the pee hole would help keep them out. When I store my boat (and snowmobiles), I spray the ENTIRE engine compartment down with wd40, and I have NEVER had a problem with mice or any other critters so far... (fingers crossed), and I have been doing it for 30 plus years. I would definitely plug up that hole when not in use. Maybe do both, wd40 and plug up the pee hole.

Good idea. I was thinking maybe a squirt of RAID would help but didn’t know if it would damage rubber...I have some WD40 on the boat.

[Cal Coon]

Originally Posted by Hillcountry

Good idea. I was thinking maybe a squirt of RAID would help but didn’t know if it would damage rubber...I have some WD40 on the boat.

You are just going to have to "train" yourself to do this "pee hole preventative maintenance" as part of the ritual of going out on the boat, so it's just like adding another step to the "process", and eventually, it will become second nature. Gotta love boating!!! Such a commitment...

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Cal Coon

You are just going to have to "train" yourself to do this "pee hole preventative maintenance" as part of the ritual of going out on the boat, so it's just like adding another step to the "process", and eventually, it will become second nature. Gotta love boating!!! Such a commitment...

Another alternative is an outboard motor cover...I suppose a contractor trash bag with a bungee around the motor would work too. We’ll figure something out!

[Orion]

It’s not really a major issue since, as your mechanic said, it’s only a telltale that the water pump is working ok. I’ve had my Honda blocked many times and just use a small steel wire inserted in the hole while the engine is running. Easily clears. It is the wasps. They like all small holes and several times have blocked the opening in my fire extinguisher! Not sure whether or not it would have enough pressure to work in an emergency or not, but best to keep it clear anyway.

[Patofnaud]

My 'toon is right there at WoW with ya. Have not noticed a pee problem, but I will keep an eye out.

FWIW, exact same thing happens with small 2 stroke engines. The exhaust port is the size of a pen/pencil and the exact size those wasps like. I had 2 weed whackers die on my one season and before I went out and bought a 3rd I brought mine to the shop and learned $40 later that the ports were plugged.

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Patofnaud

My 'toon is right there at WoW with ya. Have not noticed a pee problem, but I will keep an eye out.

FWIW, exact same thing happens with small 2 stroke engines. The exhaust port is the size of a pen/pencil and the exact size those wasps like. I had 2 weed whackers die on my one season and before I went out and bought a 3rd I brought mine to the shop and learned $40 later that the ports were plugged.

I think their season must be over as I have not had the mud wasp problem for a couple weeks now.
On another note, the little buggers made some mud pies in tiny areas on the metal supports on our pop up canopies we had on the deck this summer. When taking them down yesterday, I noticed the pies and in my haste to put them away, didn’t scrape the mud out...I guess there will be a new crop of the little bastiges next summer when they hatch out of the mud pies.