Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

[QC]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

Listen, I have MPI, and I don't like running my blower while underway, and I don't use my blower on every start. I just don't. I do while on the ramp, and after refueling, but not all day every start. So I am far from conservative on this issue, and I will take some carp for that. Buuuuuut . . . if you can anticipate all fuel leaks, and those scenarios that might cause one 100% of the time, you are waaaaaay better than me

 

[Tahoe 55]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

Ok Brother...
That's what I was looking for. That tells me we're on the same page. That's how I've been going about it, but being new to most of this, I wanted a 2nd opinion.
Thank you.

 

[dreeesh]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

i understand the concept but does anyone know where to get a factory schematic for blower set ups on a 85 regal regency.i could do it my way but id rather do it the way the factory did it

 

[QC]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

Blower setups are not really brand specific. What exactly are you needing other than hose orientation and wiring? There was a really good thread on the right way to run the hoses here prolly a year ago. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

Just out of curiosity, can you open the engine compartment and leave open for 4-5 minutes before cold starting your boat for first time of day? Will this suffice in removing fumes/vapors?

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

Just out of curiosity, can you open the engine compartment and leave open for 4-5 minutes before cold starting your boat for first time of day? Will this suffice in removing fumes/vapors?

If there is sufficient wind it may. The thing to remember is that gas vapors are heavier than air and will collect at the bottom of the bilge. They won?t just flow out on their own, so just removing the engine cover may or may not be enough.

 

[hazwild]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

I always used blower before any start up or at no wake speeds.Just to make sure i don't go BOOM!!!

 

[newbster]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

I remember being about 10 and sitting in our canoe tied to the dock about 30 feet from my dad's 19' boat. He turned the key and I heard a loud BOOM!. I looked over to see the engine on fire and no cover. As I jumped out of the canoe to go help the still flaming cover landed 6 inches from me. It was an outboard.

 

[skargo]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

I remember being about 10 and sitting in our canoe tied to the dock about 30 feet from my dad's 19' boat. He turned the key and I heard a loud BOOM!. I looked over to see the engine on fire and no cover. As I jumped out of the canoe to go help the still flaming cover landed 6 inches from me. It was an outboard.

No way, it can't be!!!! Everyone knows only us evil I/O owners go boom

I wonder how long my blower motor will last, I almost always forget to turn it off :redface:

 

[CAVU V]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

Turn it on 4 min prior to start, leave it on till cruising, when towing tubes etc. I have it on, doesn't really cost anything except for replacing the blower which I have not ever had to do.

 

[skargo]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

My wife and I try our best to stick to our checklist. I put the plug in at home when we put the straps on, and put the outdrive holder thing(what is it called anyway?)on. I also flip my blower switch to the on position for the ride to the ramp. Then when I get to the get ready area at the ramp, I flip my battery switch on, which in turn fires up the blower. By the time I back it down the ramp and float her, and park the tow slut, it's ready to be fired up.

I did start it ONCE without the blower so far, and the feeling I got in the pit of my stomach is a pretty good reminder not to do that again.

BTW, even with my old 1978 carb'd 350, you can't smell any gas in the engine compartment, but I still do the sniff test every time.

These threads are great, they remind us all and we can always learn more.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

By the time I back it down the ramp and float her, and park the tow slut, it's ready to be fired up.

And just where can I get one of those "tow sluts" ???

 

[skargo]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

And just where can I get one of those "tow sluts" ???

First you get an old stinkin diesel truck, hop it up, and when you bust your knuckles on it, you call it a filthy slut!

 

[calvinman]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

I have gotten into the bad habit of never running my blower, man am I ashamed now after reading this thread. From now on I will do my best to remember to run it.

It is amazing how one gets into the "Iv'e never smelt any fumes before, why worry about it" mind set.

This is one great forum, things I never would think of pop up that could save my life!!


Calvi

 

[twintrades]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

I bought a I/O Just because Iv always wanted one. The mechanic at the shop said Just run the blower all the time. I figured he was just wanting the motor to fry so he could replace it. After the test drive an old timer came up to me and said " I noticed you bought the IO over there. Be shure to run the damn blower all the time." I asked why and he said he had a freind blow his boat up 3 yrs ago And thats why hes here buying a new one.

SO for the cost of a new blower once in a while Ill stick to just leaving my blower run. Anyway my freinds suck at watersports. IM constantly stop ,go, stop, go, stop, go. So she stays on

 

[sharps45]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

I, too, run my blower before starting and while moving slow. However, I question the '4 minute' amount run before starting. If you look at the total square footage in an engine compartment, it shouldn't take nearly that long to clean out any fumes.
I say this because I went to the lake one day without upping the charge on my batteries, ran the blower, and there wasn't enough poop left to give me a start. Had to use the power pack (and how safe is that in an enclosed bilge?). I usually run mine about 1 minute or so before starting.
I don't know if that is enough, but so far (knock on wood) it's been enough.
Okay, go ahead and take me to task. I probably deserve it.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

Our boat has an electric hatch, I open it prior to every start along with the blower. I also have a standing rule, only me on it during launch.

 

[boostnm3]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

Ok now you have me wondering. i have a 98 four winns horizon 180 with volvo 4.3. My boat only has 1 blower on the right side of the engine. Should i have 2 or is 1 enough for the boat? I see where i could mount another 1 if i had to, but not sure if i need to. Can someone help

 

[CAVU V]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

Every time.....

 

[GiMLit]

Re: Blower question. Do I need to run every time??

For me it is simple.
I turn it on as soon as I get down the ramp from parking the truck and trailer, while everyone gets set the blower is running.
Start up push off and unless we are anchored for lunch or just chillin the blower is on. If you are afraid of spending $ on replacing a blower then pass on a case of beer or 2 and you can have a new blower each year. (this coming from a beer lover)
If you are afraid of killing a battery, well you should buy another battery and run 2 or fix your charging or starting system as it is not working very well.
If your blower gets hot enough to burn you if run constantly as someone suggested, what the heck good is going to do pumping fumes out of a enclosed area? It will be the source of the spark to go boom. It clearly has a bad bearing or??? and should be replaced.