180BR Engine Bay Cooling

[Paddler]

Can anyone offer any advice regarding ventilation of the engine bay on my year 2000 Searay BR 180.

I have been advised that the bilge blower (which has worked occasionally between failures) should be operated only prior to start up to clear any fuel fumes that may be present and then switched off for normal running.

There doesn't seem to be any means of natural ventilation to the engine bay other than a little passive vent through the fan and make-up duct.

The engine bay seems to get very hot and the engine often overruns when switching off - I have been advised that this only normally happens in hot climates which isn't how you would describe the weather in the UK.

Should I be running the blower all the time?

I would be grateful for any advice.

 

[mvoellinger]

The blower should be run for 4 minutes prior to starting, and any time when you are below cruising speed. At cruising speed, the engine bay will self ventilate.

 

[Paddler]

"At cruising speed, the engine bay will self ventilate."

Thank's for that, although I'm at a bit of a loss to see how it self ventilates as there is no through path for air circulation.

Could it be that the air drawn it through the carburettor is sufficient?