Wiring chewed by mouse

I got my new ATO style fuse box in the mail yesterday and I went to put in it in tonight but found that the mice had chewed the plastic wrap off the wires coming out of the fuse box. Not a huge problem as I was going to cut that off to be able to work with the wires better when putting the new box in. There is one wire that the mouse has chewed through the wire insulation on and it is starting to corrode. What can I do to clean that .5" or so up? I't is not terrible but I just want to make sure it does not get worse and turn into a big problem.

 

Cut out the affected area, slip on the appropriate sized heat shrink tubing,solder in a splice of the same gauge wire,slide the shrink tube over the solder joint,apply heat,and call it fixed.

 

I was thinking more of just cleaning it up then putting the shrink tube over and sealing up. If I have to splice in another wire I can do that.

 

You may be able to do that,but you will have to cut the wire anyway to install the shrink tube. If the damage is minor,you may wish to use shrink tape instead of shrink tube,so you don't have to cut the wire.

 

Get a mouse trap too!!!
But seriously, if you sprinkle moth pellets on the floor around the bike, it will keep the mice away. I've been using them for years around my culapsable fishhouse and bikes for year with success.

 

Check your air cleaner box, The mouse and his family might still be in there. (thats where I found my extra riders) had to pull the air cleaner box out and wash it out good.

 

It's handy for mice to use the airbox for a winter home. And they can just reach up and use the foam from the seat for insulation and padding to make their beds!!! They are very frugal that way. And they can just chew on your wiring for a snack before bedtime!! Ain't they just great little animals?
In the spring, they put on such a good show! They shoot out of the exhaust pipes like little bullets when you start the bike too!!
It's just a good practice to seal the airbox off with a cover at the opening and wrap the end of the mufflers with plastic bags to keep mice and moisture out during the winter storage months.
I like to use the "Mice Motel 6" ("We'll leave the light on for ya") that welcomes them in. They check in, but don't check out!!

 

Thanks for the info, I have checked the air box and that is good. They made thier home in my rear bag. Chewed a nice hole in it and made them selfs at home. I will be getting me some moth balls and some "Mice Motel 6" for this fall. As for having to cut the wiring for install the shrink tube, I have to cut it to install the new fuse box so I will just put the tube on then. I was thinking of putting a drop or two of liquid flux in the spot and then soldering it a little just to make sure everything was good.

 

Be advised, tinned wires do not flex. Best just cut back the wire until you find uncorroded copper and splice (solder splice that is) into that point. I would not bother to try to salvage corroded wire. It is an excercise in futility. Best of luck.