Blower?

[sailliny]

Just wanted to know do any of you run the blower before starting the engine?

My understanding is it is not needed. And I have heard on hot long runs some people run the blower to cool the engine compartment.

Anyone?

 

[Hannah Quinn]

I run mine when running the engine for any period of time. I find when the engine is hot and there's no air circulation in the engine compartment you get a bit of oily, diesel engine smell, especially in the aft cabin. I find running the blower while running and for ten or so minutes afterwards helps a lot.

 

[philwsailz]

What type fuel do you use?

Here is an example of the result of someone not using a blower... See pic below. Luckily that driver was able to bail from the boat and swim to shore with no injuries but some back fur singed off where his tank top didn't cover. It was an awkward yet funny reminder... AND it could haver been a lot worse.

There are many reasons ruinning your blower is needed, especially if you have a gas motor. If you are running gas, you need to run your blower a little while prior to starting and preferably while running.

If you are diesel powered, you might not go "boom", but there is a lot to be said about evacuating the engine compartment of old fumes, providing fresh air, giving your motor better air to breathe and exhausting heat, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc.

Run your blower...

 

[JonnyQuest]

Gas atomic 4. I run the blower about a minute before starting. But before doing that I sniff in the engine compartment for fumes and then visually inspect for leakage when I squeeze the fuel bulb. I know my fuel system is tight and I cleaned the the goop out of the engine bilge so there isn't any residual smell to mask any new fuel leak.

I don't run the blower while motoring however I only motor just to get out of harbor and back.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

The recommended time for running the blower prior to starting a gas engine is 5 minutes. It is not necessary for a diesel engine because they don't have spark issues like a gas engine, but some ideas above have some value.

 

[paulj]

I turn on the blower to suck in some fresh, clean and dense air into the compartment...... to start the engine.



paulj :troll: