Recently purchased a 1981, C-30 with the 25HP Universal Diesel. Have noticed excessive heat buildup and fumes in the cabin area and discovered several areas for leaks etc. and since repaired them. My question is, should the application have a bilge blower and if so where would it be located? I have found duct work going to the rear vents but no blower. I believe the original application was the Atomic 4. Could the blower have been eliminated in the conversion? Thanks again for all your input. Ray Lewis S/V Linda Marie, Chesapeke Bay, North
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The purpose of a bilge blower is to vent the below decks spaces , particularly the bilge area, of potentially explosive fumes produced by vaporized gasoline. Typically, after taking on gasoline, the bilge blower is run for about five minutes or so, until the nose cannot detect a gasoline odor in the engine area. Most boat fires occur within a few minutes of taking on gasoline and, most likely a small amount escaped below without being detected. Diesel fuel does not vaporize as does gasoline so that danger does not exist. A bilge blower is not required Coast Guard regs do require bilge ventilation on gasoline powered boats. When under way, the forward motion of the boat brings fresh air into the bilge area through the intake, usually a clamshell facing forward, and exhausts it through a clamshell facing aft. They require powered ventilation (bilge blower) for use when the boat is not moving. For example, before starting the engine(s) to ensure that the bilge is free from explosive fumes.
removed on conversion
Yes the blower was more than likely removed on conversion. Since diesel vapors are not "explosive" like gasoline is there isn't much need for it. Blowers are only in gasoline powered boats to remove the fumes prior to start up. Most diesel boats come from the factory w/o blowers to the best of my knowledge.
Yes the blower was more than likely removed on conversion. Since diesel vapors are not "explosive" like gasoline is there isn't much need for it. Blowers are only in gasoline powered boats to remove the fumes prior to start up. Most diesel boats come from the factory w/o blowers to the best of my knowledge.
I agree
but have also heard some skippers who use the blowers to cool off their engine compartments. We have one and never use it, C34 with an M-25. Stu
but have also heard some skippers who use the blowers to cool off their engine compartments. We have one and never use it, C34 with an M-25. Stu
blower
Ray I have a blower in my 84 Cat30 - although a diesel I use it whenever the engine runs. It keeps the cabin temp down, and draws any odour out of the cabin. My engine and engine compartment are clean but just a drop or two of oil on a hot engine can raise a smell
Ray I have a blower in my 84 Cat30 - although a diesel I use it whenever the engine runs. It keeps the cabin temp down, and draws any odour out of the cabin. My engine and engine compartment are clean but just a drop or two of oil on a hot engine can raise a smell
Have a blower
I've got a diesel in my C27, and I have a blower. I run the blower prior to starting (perhaps not necessary with a diesel, but it will certainly not hurt.) I also run it when there are people in the cabin while the engine is running, just in case there are any fumes escaping from the exhaust system. I also run it on exceptionally hot days, to move air into the engine compartment and keep it a bit cooler. Randy
I've got a diesel in my C27, and I have a blower. I run the blower prior to starting (perhaps not necessary with a diesel, but it will certainly not hurt.) I also run it when there are people in the cabin while the engine is running, just in case there are any fumes escaping from the exhaust system. I also run it on exceptionally hot days, to move air into the engine compartment and keep it a bit cooler. Randy
Sydney, Any idea where they mounted and vented this blower? By the way, thanks for all your responses. Ray
My 1893 C36 came from the factory with a bilge blower. I use it when motoring for long distances, and when the outside temperature is higher just to keep fresh air flowing. It really isn't needed with a diesel, but it is nice to have.
location
Ray My blower is fastened near the top of the aft bulkhead in the port cockpit locker. The white air duct comes from the engine compartment under the galley stove area (get at that area by removing the drawer unit, up through the bottom of that locker, connects with the blower then air duct from blower to port clam shell vent on port quarter. I have a water proof switch on my engine panel. When the engine is running you can't tell its running but I think it helps keep the engine compartment cabin cooler and removes any odour, etc.
Ray My blower is fastened near the top of the aft bulkhead in the port cockpit locker. The white air duct comes from the engine compartment under the galley stove area (get at that area by removing the drawer unit, up through the bottom of that locker, connects with the blower then air duct from blower to port clam shell vent on port quarter. I have a water proof switch on my engine panel. When the engine is running you can't tell its running but I think it helps keep the engine compartment cabin cooler and removes any odour, etc.
fumes
Ray - If you have fumes in your cabin - don't just vent them - find the source. One common source (which PO dealt with on our 30) is diesel fumes from valve cover vent. There is a small hose that vents air out of the valve cover top and that air is loaded with diesel fumes. What you do is route that hose into the air inlet so the fumes get recycled. I think there may be something about this on the archives explaining it better than I can.
Ray I looked under 2002/2004/2003 "diesel fumes " in the archives and there are some good ideas of possible sources - good luck
Ray - If you have fumes in your cabin - don't just vent them - find the source. One common source (which PO dealt with on our 30) is diesel fumes from valve cover vent. There is a small hose that vents air out of the valve cover top and that air is loaded with diesel fumes. What you do is route that hose into the air inlet so the fumes get recycled. I think there may be something about this on the archives explaining it better than I can.
Ray I looked under 2002/2004/2003 "diesel fumes " in the archives and there are some good ideas of possible sources - good luck- Status