[byronstuff]

I have a 2004 Titan that I've owned since Aug of 2004. I'm trying to get my truck ready for my son to use as his first car.
Long story short, In getting the truck ready for him, and solving some issues from the truck sitting in the driveway, I have realized that we've had an unwelcome visitors. Rats and Squirrels have decided to make a cozy home under the Intake. Huge mess. We realized how bad it is when we began to replace my starter that appears to have gone to crap. In removing the intake, I found a DEAD squirrel, and a nest approximately 12" deep, with all kinds of items from my yard and engine compartment. Almost all the foam from around my Air Intake Box is in the nest. I also realized that the rodent decided to gnaw on the Nox sensor wires and wiring to starter. (Probably the issue with the starter).
I need a little help finding a few items so I can start the repair project.
I need a replacement for the foam in between my Air Box, and the compartment sidewall. I need a new, or replacement, Windshield washer reservoir, as they have chewed huge holes in the top of the reservoir. I need to replace the Starter, the intake gaskets, and the wiring that splits between the 2 NOX sensors on the top of the heads. I have the starter off, which was a task due to the booger being almost welded in place. Finally got it off, but had to almost destroy the starter
in doing so.
Any constructive advise, part numbers and best place to find the items needing replaced would be GREATLY appreciated. I'm a person who enjoys a good DIY project, but mostly around the house, I've always been a little intimidated by taking my truck apart. I'm starting to freak out a little.

 

[dv3andrs]

That is a mess indeed. I would start with RockAuto, the usually have some of the best prices around. Another suggestion is a pick a part/pull a part location, see what you can acquire for cheap from one of those. Worst case call a stealership and see about part numbers and how those wiring assemblies come, and just search the numbers via the net and order them that way. Good luck, shouldn't be too bad once you get it cleaned up and really moving with it.

 

[busemans]

Dang, that sucks. I agree, pull a part and rock Auto.

I know the pull a part here has a first gen titan in it, so maybe near you too?

 

[PanAm Ken]

That is a basket case, if you have insurance on it maybe it could accidently catch fire

 

[jdmartin]

Don't freak out. That stuff is relatively easy to replace. Find a boneyard for most of that stuff.

HOWEVER, I would not put that intake back together without carefully inspecting that you haven't allowed debris to fall down inside those open chambers. At a minimum I would get a scope and scope everything and stick a mini shop vac in there to suck out anything inside.

 

[grampy66]

I don't envy you with that job . But it could be worse as they didn't get into you a/c ducts inside then you would hafta remove the dash ; ) I had a dead rat in my Honda Element but he didn't chew anything but the cabin air filter. I now use this Cab Fresh it does work plus a glue trap on top the engine .https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...SdAiKwuap3OyosLGJu0rN2hf4huwriKIaAtH9EALw_wcB

 

[cajun56]

Pull-a-part is your best option!

 

[dv3andrs]

Any updates to your project?

 

[jesselivengood]

I burnt my boosted honda to the ground and in one day bone yard visit and a few beers had it running for work. That isnt as bad as it looks.

 

[byronstuff]

Still in planning stages. Looking for good, fair, place to find needed replacement parts to purchase. (starter, wiring, etc.). I didn't want to purchase a starter that I would end up EVER having to purchase again. Definitely not the easiest starter I've had to work on. Any good brand or location recommendations would be appreciated.