Help! - Owl roosted in my tractor shed.

brewster · Feb 18, 2004

I left my TC30 unattended in a shed for 5 weeks. (The shed protected an old 9N for years with no problem. The owl must like new blue paint.) I came back last week to find an incredible amount of owl dung (and a few owl pellets) all over it - seat, instrument panel, hood, loader -everything. It even leaked through the fuel filler door onto the engine. I got a lot of it off with water and rags, but the remaning layers are very stubborn. I went to town and bought car washing detergent (Turtle wax brand, I think), but it didn't help. I left the tractor outside for three days hoping that rain might soften the dung, but got only sleet and and snow that didn't help. The remaining dung seems almost as tough as paint. If I scrub a spot for a very long time it eventually rubs off, but it's a lot of work. It's over 40 miles one way to the nearest spray car wash. Can anyone suggest an easier way to get rid of the owl dung? I don't want to use an abrasive and scratch the paint.

If I do use a spray wand at a car wash, what care do I need to take? Should I shield the alternator and wiring? Anything else?

BTW, the TC30 is now in a lower shed with no room for the owl to roost, I hope. It'll be 10 days before I get back to it.

Egon · Feb 18, 2004

But think of the advantages the Owl brings. No pigeons or mice.

Egon

bcarter · Feb 18, 2004

<font color="blue"> But think of the advantages the Owl brings. No pigeons or mice. </font>

Just their remains...all over the hood of the tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

BillyP · Feb 18, 2004

You might try some buffing compound. Just a little on your fingertip or rag and rub it in. Don't get to aggressive though.

bigpete · Feb 18, 2004

Two-part answer:

1) Power washer

2) Tarp

I kinda' like having those varmit-eating predators around.

KubotaSteve · Feb 18, 2004

I've used WD-40 on things such as that. I tried everything to get sap off my hands and nothing would work, but WD-40. It shouldn't hurt the paint on your tractor either. I've found that it cures many problems.

NIXON · Feb 18, 2004

Just a shot in the dark here . Try a properly diluted car wash on the area . But cover the area with a towel ,and then apply it to the spot you want to clean .( don't use the wife's GOOD towels ,as you might find the owl poop is the lesser of your worries . ) It keeps the cleaner from evaporating ,or running off . I've used this on some pretty stubborn stuff and it works . Just keep the towel wet until the spot softens . Hope this helps and makes sense . When you do finally get the stuff off , a coat of good wax might help keeping any more of the stuff from attaching itself so firmly . John

JeffRey30747 · Feb 18, 2004

Liquid dishwashing detergent is going to be stronger than any car wash type soap. A harsh soap like dishwashing detergent will strip wax from a painted finish that isn't desired when when normally washing a car but it won't harm the paint. If that doesn't work, a diluted solution of Castrol Super Clean or Simple Green may remove it. At full strength, these cleaners can damage or even remove paint so be careful.

Jeff

brewster · Feb 18, 2004

Thanks for all the advice. And yes, it's good to not have mice chewing wires, seats, or radiator hoses.

A tarp is already on the shopping list - I just hope it doesn't attract the mice to hide under it.

I thought about the wet towel idea, but didn't have time. I'll give it a try next trip. Unfortunately, there's no "spot" I want to clean. There are many, many patches, spots, and specks; from loader to rear fenders. If that doesn't work, I'll try the other suggestions.

Thank you, everyone.