Bilge blowers

[khaynes]

I have a question about bilge bolwers. The manual says to turn it on a few minutes before you start your engine and leave it running a few minutes after you shut it off. I read some where that some blowers are made to run all the time and some are made to only run at idle and when moving very slow. It said they would burn up if left running all the time. I know some boats have vents facing the front of the boat so when your moving forward they pick up air and the other vent faces the rear. Both my vents are on the back cornor and facing the rear. I left my blower on the whole time and let it run a few minutes after I shut it off untill I read this article. What is the correct way. Thanks for any help.

 

[tdappleman]

Our manual says run the blower for at least 4 minutes prior to starting the motor and anytime you are not on plane. I'm like you - I'm not sure I see how the rear facing vents would really take in and expel air when on plane so I run my blower all of the time when I'm running the engine. I also run it for a few minutes after shutting down to get the hot air out. I replaced my blower with one which says it can be run continuously so I didn't have to worry about it. I used this one.

 

[mawyatt]

I run the blower whenever any engine (genny included) is on and a few minutes before starting.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Once you're up on plane, there's enough natural ventilation that you can turn your blower off. You may leave it on, if you want. However, the stock blower is not a "continuous duty" blower. All that means is that it won't last as long. This is not to say that it's going to fry right away if you forget to turn it off. It just means you are shortening it's life-span. I have forgotten many times to turn it off. You'll probably still get years of service from it.

 

[Groucho]

OK...I'll say it.
Do a search and find all you would ever want to read about bilge blowers.
This was covered more times than Congress passes out free money.

 

[khaynes]

Thanks for help. Thats what I needed to here. And I did do a search. For about 20 minutes. Either I don't know how to use it or its not a very good search system. So I decided to go ahead and ask knowing I would be slammed. Got my answer in about 1 minute. A big thanks to the guys that helped with a answer. Thanks again.

 

[tobnpr]

A search for the words "bilge blower" turned up 60 threads.
I'm sure a few of them are relevant.
No one's "slamming" you, but as was said, this has been beat to death many times...

 

[Sundancer]

The only thing I would add is that once on plane, the volume of air that your engine is sucking in and expelling is sufficient to keep lots of fresh air coming in regardless of which way your vents are facing.

 

[Al Gross]

OK, I'll add my two cents worth given fact I asked both our Sea Ray Salesman and several mx personnel this same question. Bottom Line: everybody has a different answer. The most oft repeated answer is to turn it on prior to starting your engines and then leave them on whenever the engine is running. That is what I and most of my dock mates do. However, I also agree that when you're on plane, you shouldn't need to keep them running.

However, all virtually have the same answer when talking about the generator only: turn the blowers on to start the generator, then you can turn them off after a couple of minutes, even when anchored out in still waters/wind. Our marina Kohler generator guru said they are made to operate under these conditions. Hope this helps and doesn't add to your e-mail reviewing.

 

[gerryb]

Heat is one of the enemies to all engines. Blower will keep the ER 5-10 degrees cooler.. a good thing...no?

 

[JimG]

Thanks for help. Thats what I needed to here. And I did do a search. For about 20 minutes. Either I don't know how to use it or its not a very good search system. So I decided to go ahead and ask knowing I would be slammed. Got my answer in about 1 minute. A big thanks to the guys that helped with a answer. Thanks again.

I wouldn't waste time slamming... just help when you can.

Now to topic: I think the most important thing to do is run your blower before you start and use your nose to check for fuel fumes.

 

[Groucho]

Thanks for help. Thats what I needed to here. And I did do a search. For about 20 minutes. Either I don't know how to use it or its not a very good search system. So I decided to go ahead and ask knowing I would be slammed. Got my answer in about 1 minute. A big thanks to the guys that helped with a answer. Thanks again.

That wasn't a "slam" and yes you may want to brush up on your serach skills.