Bilge Blower for Yam 25

[alturaam]

My bilge blower located under the port aft vent makes a lot of noise when running. My sense is it is a worn out bearing. Has anyone replaced this unit? If so, what make/model works best? Is access to the blower difficult with the rear bulkhead panel? Thanks.

 

[Boffin]

Even a new one can be noisy . I add a switch and turn it off . Only turn it on when necessary . But I seldom need to use it during the pass 3 years, just turn on for testing .

You remove the panel (fix by some 4 -6 screw) then you can see the blower. you need a helping hand outside ( to hold the bolt) if you want to unscrew and take it away .

 

[alturaam]

Thanks, Boffin. A new one was installed. I looked at that panel. It doesn't appear hard to remove like you said. Mine comes on whenever I start the motor. With the old motor, I shut it off because it made too much noise. This new one is quieter, but still audible. I was concerned that without the blower/fan, airflow into the engine compartment would be insufficient, causing it to burn fuel inefficiently.

 

[Boffin]

My thinking is that the blower blow out the warm air in the engine compartment and give a warm air to warm your hand if you seat next to the exhaust opening . I didn't consider there may be insufficient air for the engine . There is an opening around the shaft that is the channel for the air go into the engine room. If the blower is off , the air can flow back to the engine room by the suction of the intake air action. It works ok for my engine in the past 10 years .

 

[Syntonos]

Engine compartment blower practice

I prefer to run my blower while running the engine. It keeps the cabin fresh and if you have an exhaust leak you will know it by the fumes and soot entering the cockpit. I know from experience as my exhaust mixing elbow failed ( a common failure on the YSM8) and I knew right away. Otherwise the interior would have taken a hit with fumes. The noise is negligible with a good blower.

Just my 2 cents

 

[alturaam]

Syntonos, we're talking of the same thing right? The blower/fan installed near the port rear vent on the transom. I am with you here and my mechanic had to replace the exhaust elbow as the PO had it patched where there appeared to be a crack. There was also a lot of soot in the cabin area. So I have a new exhaust elbow, a new bilge blower/fan. Fuel filter some time next. The head on the motor will be opened at some point. My intake canister was also replaced. Having the blower on while the engine is running is of no inconvenience to me. BTW, I've seen your youtube videos. A lot of my sailing time was in the San Diego area, which is also where I first started seeing Yamaha saillboats. Crewed on a couple of long distance races, i.e., Dana Pt-San Clemente-SD and Newport Beach-SD, but never got to go to Catalina.

 

[cmccosta]

Another vote for the bilge blower.
The noise is neglectable. I need to put my hand on the exhaust vent (stbd) to check if it's working.

 

[zeehag]

not one of my diesel powered boats has had a bilge blower. isnt necessary as diesel doesnt blow like gasoline.
the ventilation in and around my engine alleged rooms has been good and no stink inside boat when running.
except my formosa which has been having consistent and long lasting fuel system and oil retention problems. but the open hatches overhead while running and the incoming ventilation keep the smelly stuff going aft, so it works.
we are sorting leaks and fixing same and trying to fabricate a cover/plug for the hole made for adjusting the engine timing--seems to have either not been included or popped off during the very first running, despite pressures not exceeding 50 pounds on start up....hhmmmmmm

 

[Dancing Queen]

I had same problem. Original fan unit was very noisy:cussing:. I could not get new to replace it . I bought at Ebay "in-line" type bilge blower and installed it inside, near the starter battery. New blower works pretty quiet compared to old and blows well.
Also, during this "renovation" I've added micro-controller based schematic to control blower. It starts blower at 30% power if air temperature in engine compartment get 28C and rise 100% if temperature get 42C and higher. After engine shut off blower continues his work during 2 minutes and then stops also.

 

[Syntonos]

alturaam: Your on the right track - Exhaust mixing elbow is the weak link. I learned to sail on Thistles and a 1926 "R" boat in the same area of your old stomping ground. I'll keep you in mind if I make it to Annapolis... It's on my bucket list of places to Sail. Just got back from spectating the Star North Americans in Newport, Ca.

Dancing Queen: Welcome back....... I like the idea of the inline blower. I'll probably do that when mine gives up. I dread crawling back there! Sounds like you got it set up pretty high tech. Can you post some picks of your rudder pintle? Also of your boat for some of the new folks to the forum to see. I think your boat looks great !

 

[alturaam]

Thanks very much, Syntonos. The build up of deposits inside my motr were a result of the ingestion of the emissions from the cracked exhaust elbow. That has been recitified. If you come to Annapolis, please look me up. I'm in a small marina in the Magothy, which feeds the Chesapeake.

alturaam: Your on the right track - Exhaust mixing elbow is the weak link. I learned to sail on Thistles and a 1926 "R" boat in the same area of your old stomping ground. I'll keep you in mind if I make it to Annapolis... It's on my bucket list of places to Sail. Just got back from spectating the Star North Americans in Newport, Ca.

Dancing Queen: Welcome back....... I like the idea of the inline blower. I'll probably do that when mine gives up. I dread crawling back there! Sounds like you got it set up pretty high tech. Can you post some picks of your rudder pintle? Also of your boat for some of the new folks to the forum to see. I think your boat looks great !