Engine bay inside temps when running?

[mudweiser]

I'm looking to install a large stereo system in a Bayliner Arriva with a factory 5.0 chevy. I might place the subs and amps in the engine bay. Just curious if anyone knows about what the temps range in the engine bay under normal boating use when the hull is underway and after it's shut down from a ride and just siutting in the water?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

Probably cose to 100` If it's hot outside it will be even hotter in the boot. Jerry

 

[EricR]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

I would TRY to not put them in the engine bay. Now I work on big diesel inboards, and on repowers and installations we go by Cat's "rule of thumb" on a seatrial/test. I use a temp probe outside the boat to get ambient temp, and then use one in the engine room near the engine's air intake. We like the engine room temp at WOT to be more than 15* above ambient.

Now if you are idling in a no wake zone on a 95* day keep in mind at that speed unless you have giant blowers you will have engine bay temps over one forty, I see it all the time. I know amps produce heat and you may be stymied as to where to put them, but I'd try and find a cooler locale maybe up forward under some seating and be sure it has air flow. Maybe a tiny computer fan in that spot? Check with the amp mfg for what they say too.

 

[mudweiser]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

The amps are to big to put under a seat. They do have built in fans however. I'll check with the MFG on recommendations. Thanks. I got the information that i was looking for as far as ballpark temps.

 

[QC]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

Where you gonna put the extra batteries?

 

[mudweiser]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

I have 3 Optima yellow top batteries along with the Isolater that will mount in the engine bay with the starting battery, but on the opposite side.

 

[EricR]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

BTW Mudwieser, I'm originally from Grey Eagle, and hang out on www.vintagesleds.com all the time.

 

[salty87]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

i wouldn't mount 'em under the engine cover. amps with fans aren't rated for it anyway and the subs will be muffled. is there no room under the dash? how about the back side of the front seats under the dash area? that's where my amps are, sub is at the driver's feet.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

What's the max operating temp of the amp? Not sure if it will hurt as many of the amps are mounted in truncks of cars and those can get just as hot as an engine compartment. Speakers will be another issue. If the subs can handle the temp, that won't be an issue but any mids of highs need to be out in the listening area.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

The amps can be mounted in engine area as long as you provide more air,look at adding another blower,something that moves ALOT of air,and keep it on while cruising,your other option is to build a cabinet behind drivers seat,but again, add a fan,amps get hot enough without adding the suns heat.

 

[mudweiser]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

All 3 amps are Kicker (2) KX 1200.1 (1) KX 850.4 which are all fan cooled. Subs are Kicker L7 S12's. Highs/mids are MB Quart Components which will be mounted in the seating area. Thought about adding another fan, i like the idea of building a seperate cabinet for them. If any one knows the details of these amps, please let me know. The boat is a 21ft Bayliner Arriva.

 

[tommays]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

Well
The amps are NOT rated to be in the engine area EVEN the bilge pump and switch has to be ignition rated

 

[mudweiser]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

ya, i seen they make marine amps now. Not too much for power though. From what i know the rca connections and speaker connections are different, i'm sure there's more to it though. Not sure if the relays are in the amp or mounted somewhere else on marine amps. Any idea? I'm asking because i don't know: what makes a standard amp not suitable for engine bay mounting? I understand about the spark issue and fumes, just curious what the deal is with amps. Thanks.

 

[mudweiser]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

Just got off the phone with Kicker, they said no problems mounting in the engine bay, they have seen them, he runs a similar set-up in his boat and they test them in hotter situations. Subs can go in there as well, not ideal for sound, but they will survive.

Arcing and sparks: the only differance in the marine vs the automotive amp is their internal boards are coated for corrosion, also the speaker and rca connections were different for corrosion. I asked him if there was anyting in the amp that would cause and arc, or glowing hot material. They said the only problem i could run into is if my battery power and ground wires are not tight. This could cause an arc. No different then a starter i guess. Made my day! Now all i need to do is swap out the gimbal bearing, buff the gelcoat, new carpet and re-do the seats.

 

[PhatboyC]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

Thanks for letting us know. Good info.

 

[mlobitz]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

I have my amp in the engine bay with no issues. I just kept it as far forward and away from the engine as I could. No issues in the last 2 years... I do have the sub under the dash though...

 

[mudweiser]

Re: Engine bay inside temps when running?

I really don't have the room to place 2-12" subs anywhere besides the engine bay. I think with 2,400 watts they will pound just fine no matter where i put them. Kicker amps are rated pretty well, each amp is rated at over 1,200 watts on it's birth card. They are not like some other amps that say 1,200 watts, and you really only get 600 watts that is so distorted you can't even use it. Kicker is pretty good, for the price i won't run any other amp.