Running the blower?

Pretty much run mine all the time.. our 3rd full season.. no problems (yet) with blower going out.

Mine broke in just over a year extended warranty covered it (but only 1 time) so I'll be out of pocket when I burn it out again.
 
The reason I run the Blower after the engine is Off is to remove some of the heat build up in the (twins) engine room. I thought it was not a bad idea and doesn't cost me anything. It's just become one of those things I do, along with having my second beer and a smoke.. :)
Do you guys think it's a waste of time?

I do the same - and I only have a single. I also run mine all the time. I'm a little surprised at all this debate over it...it's a $30 part. :huh:
 
When the engine is running, it's already a vacuum that is drawing out the vapor from the carb and engine compartment. EFI systems really shouldn't have any fume issues.

If there are fumes when the engine is running that are being exhausted and not detected BECAUSE you're running the blower, that seems like trouble waiting to happen. Leaks don't seal themselves.

It's kind of important to detect these fumes and vapors, and remedy the issue.

True, it's only a small investment to run it all the time. But if it fails when it's REALLY needed, because you ran it needlessly, then how much is it worth? Use it like gold and it's always there when you need it to keep your boat safe.
DG
 
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The reason I run the Blower after the engine is Off is to remove some of the heat build up in the (twins) engine room. I thought it was not a bad idea and doesn't cost me anything. It's just become one of those things I do, along with having my second beer and a smoke.. :)
Do you guys think it's a waste of time?

I run the blower AFTER shutting off the engine also. To remove as much heat from the engine compartment as possible. I tow with the cover on and it really holds the heat in.
 
Okay.. so I have the blower off.. do I need to turn on the bilge switch on? or does it kick in automatically?

You might want to turn it on via the switch occasionally. Sure would hate to have the bearing seize up from lack of use only to find out on the water...:wow:

Didn't happen to me, but I did have one seize up. Never used it in two seasons and decided to turn it on one day. Poof went the fuse. New check item on my weekly maintenance list.
 
Dealer recommended I run the blower when off plane since I seem to have a run-on problem when I shut the engine off. Apparently part of the run-on issue is too much heat building up in the bilge because not enough air is moving through the air inlet when the boat is off plane.
 
my 320 manuel says run the blower any time the engins are running. My preference is before start up, on and off during the day regardless of speed, then after docking a always run it untill the air exgust is cool to the touch. I agree with several earlier posts, "it's a $30 part, excesive case of NOCO,and removing excessive heat after shutdown" I think this is a real case of more is better, and besides gas went down .30 cents on the water!! Oh boy!!
 
The blower in my boat burned out before the boat was a year old. I just replaced it myself, it wasn't that difficult. I think a replacement blower was something like $18. I leave it running anytime the engine is running, regardless of speed.
 
So if it breaks when you REALLY need it then your trip is done? Or do you guys carry a spare?

Since I'm from AZ and you guys are waaaaay up North, what is excessive heat?

Sea Ray Corporate used to be here in Phx. and we still do alot of Mercruiser testing here in the summer for our engines. Mostly Fountains and Mastercrafts however.

DG
 
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I must be bad, I run the blowers for a few minutes before we start up (while prepping gear and orienting new guests) and if we've been stopped/anchored for > 5 minutes. I don't run at low speed.

As far as keeping the engine room cool... I can't imagine that would have a big difference.
 
So if it breaks when you REALLY need it then your trip is done? Or do you guys carry a spare?

Since I'm from AZ and you guys are waaaaay up North, what is excessive heat?

Sea Ray Corporate used to be here in Phx. and we still do alot of Mercruiser testing here in the summer for our engines. Mostly Fountains and Mastercrafts however.

DG
Mine didn't "just quit". It was actually working but I grew tired of hearing the bearing squealing. At first, It would only squeal a little immediately after flipping the switch to "off". Towards the end, it would squeal while it was running. That's when I replaced it.
 
I turn My blower on a couple of minutes before I turn the engine over and gets turned off only whent he engine is off. the boats a 2004 with over 200hr's with runs that average over an hour at minimum. I have never had a problem with my blower. the one time I did run the boat on plane with out the blower being on; the CO2 alarm went off in the cabin; so never agian.
 
Honestly, that's a CO issue that has to do with the airflow over the topside, not the fuel fumes in the engine compartment. That has to do with something causing the air to stall over the deck and transom.
CO2 is an after combustion constituant. Not a before type thing. Maybe this is a good time to look at other things like overall airflow with aftermarket accessories. Like a bimini top.

It seems that there isn't clarity on what causes what. A powered airflow device purging exhaust. Like the bed of a pick-up. Lots of CO there.


DG
 
So if it breaks when you REALLY need it then your trip is done? Or do you guys carry a spare?

Since I'm from AZ and you guys are waaaaay up North, what is excessive heat?

Sea Ray Corporate used to be here in Phx. and we still do alot of Mercruiser testing here in the summer for our engines. Mostly Fountains and Mastercrafts however.

DG

No you just need to open your engine cover and let it vent before you start your motor.
 
I run my Blower... Before Starting, when I'm in the 5MPH zone and I also let it run for 5 or 10 minutes after I return to my mooring... anyone run the blower after a ride like me???

I run the blowers after a long fast cruise when I am in the no wake zone to our marina.
 
I run several minutes before starting and while wakeboarding/tubing/etc... because of all the starting and stopping. Never run it in the 6mph zone but interested to see all the people who do.
 
I have always run my blower when the engines are on. It is just out of habit now, but it started when I picked up the boat for the first time and went for my ride with the Marine Max. The captain told me to do so, and alway have. I just assumed it wouldn't hurt to keep them running.
 

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