Engine compartment air blower ... 2010 Beneteau 40 Oceanis

[JohnB40]

There is an air blower attached to the transom. Very hard to get at thru aft locker. Was badly installed. Now dangling by one bolt and does not work. Think if I remove propane locker will have slightly easier access.
Problem: The bolts go thru the hull with a nut on outside. There is then a plastic cowling that covers the hole where air is drawn in. This cowling is "glued" to the hull .... maybe it's a sealant that has been used. Any ideas on how to get this off .... would prefer not to break it and then try to get a new one.
Thanks
JohnB40

 

[jssailem]

@JohnB40 While your description is excellent if a Previous owner has installed something of their own making it is rare that another boat Pawnee could clearly understand your challenge, let alone give you more than an edgucated scientific while a$$ guess - SWAG at a reasonable solution.
But.... If you take a picture of the issue/dilemma and you post it here, it may be possible for one of the clever engineers that lurk within these forums may be able to share a thought to two.

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

Problem: The bolts go thru the hull with a nut on outside. There is then a plastic cowling that covers the hole where air is drawn in. This cowling is "glued" to the hull .... maybe it's a sealant that has been used. Any ideas on how to get this off .... would prefer not to break it and then try to get a new one.
Thanks
JohnB40

I had the same problem with my blower and also had this glued plastic thing. Carefully remove whatever silicone you can see around it, remove any screws holding it and pull it very slowly and very carefully at the same time cutting the remaining silicone with a knife. Just be careful.

 

[Ron20324]

I have a B323, not your 40. My transom cowling is the exhaust, with the intake on vents at the companionway. You would not want the fan to blow INTO the engine, as that will just cause fumes to escape thru every little crack- and into the cabin. Thus, the fan should SUCK the air out of the engine room. Either way, you need to fix it....

 

[JohnB40]

Thanks all.
Philip .... I will try the gently pull and cut approach. Do you think getting it warm with hairdryer would help .... think a "heat gun" might damage things? This blower hasn't been working for several years but I think it would keep that hot engine smell out of the aft berth if I fixed it.
JohnB40

 

[JohnB40]

Thanks all.
Philip .... I will try the gently pull and cut approach. Do you think getting it warm with hairdryer would help .... think a "heat gun" might damage things? This is a picture of the cowling that covers the outlet of the blower.

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

Thanks all.
Philip .... I will try the gently pull and cut approach. Do you think getting it warm with hairdryer would help .... think a "heat gun" might damage things? This blower hasn't been working for several years but I think it would keep that hot engine smell out of the aft berth if I fixed it.
JohnB40

I didn’t have to use a heat gun so I cannot tell. Try without first, or if necessay at low temperature first.