blower question

[db01]

I have just bought a 1985 20' Thompson Cuddy it's the first I/O I've owned. There are 4 vent hoses that go from the vents to the motor compartment and are open ended. One has a blower motor in line and a switch on the instrument panel; I assume this is to provide fresh air or to get rid of heat from the engine compartment, but the fact that it is wired to a manual switch has me befuddled. Do you have to run the blower all the time your running the motor? Thanks in advance, db

 

[tommays]

Re: blower question

There should be a fresh air intake hose going to the low part of the bilge

The blower should have its hose at the low part also


When you run the blower it should draw air across the bilge to draw out any GAS fumes that may have built up


Generally you should run the blower for 4 minutes before starting (i always do a nose check )

Depending on the boat it may be recommended to run the blower when your at low speeds


Tommays

 

[MWBROWN]

Re: blower question

ALWAYS run the blower before starting the engine. That is why it is on a
manual switch.
There was a post awhile back with a burning boat. AARRRGH.

Good luck,

Mike

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: blower question

no blower BOOM!!!!.

 

[MikDee]

Re: blower question

Those air intakes are called "scuppers" they need to be there.

 

[db01]

Re: blower question

Thanks again Guy's! I have a good understanding of mechanics, but also know when you get into unfamiliar territory it always makes it easier when you listen to what the guy's with experience have to say. Hope I don't become a nuisance. db

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: blower question

as away, our goal is safe, fun, boating. the hose on the fan needs to go the bottom of the bilge area, gas fumes are heavier than air, and need to be sucked out, before starting the engine. the side vents provide circulation when running at speed. but it is advisable at idle and low speed to run the fan.

 

[Boatist]

Re: blower question

The two vents facing the bow should go high in the bilge, If possible above the flame arester.

The one with the blower and the other stern faceing vent should go low in the bilge under the engine, but not so low would be block by bilge water.

The basic idea is input air should come in high and force the heaver than air gas fumes down below the engine. The blower and the other stern faceing vent whould suck the gas fumes out from the bottom before they get to a spark source (Engine)

Running down the road or at speed on the open water should not need the blower. Before Starting turn the blower on and go back and smell the blower output. Any GAS FUMES do not start, find out where the fumes are coming from. Normal smell let blower run for 4 minutes and start her up.

 

[QC]

Re: blower question

BTW the burning boat was mine and had nothing to do with the Blower, only stupidity . . .

 

[arthat]

Re: blower question

As mentioned earlier, running the blower at low speeds may be wise. I notice that when I'm running slow with a tail wind, exhaust tends to build in the cockpit without the blower on. The blower seems to minimize that danger. My Carbon Monoxide detector has activated in the cabin while trolling with a tail wind w/o the blower on and has not with the blower on. For what it's worth.


Successful Boating,

Art