Bilge Blower location, help..

[Starcraft5834]

is there a "standard" locaton for bilge blower fans? Inspecting mine,, in a 20ft cuddy, there are two 3 inch flexible hoses running behind the engine, kinda laying there, I understand air is sucked out. I think I have two fans. I can see two air hose connections on each end of the one vent shield. only one side is blowing hard, the other barely,, think one of them is about shot. I want to replace it, My problem is how to get at them. Is it normal to gain access to bilge fans from the outside? ie- remove the side vent plate and get at it that way? There's not much room, and those fans are probably small, I followed the flexible air hose in the rear, it runs up behind sidewall of boat, I cant run my arm far enough to even feel a fan.. it's behind the wall, I can hear it running,,was thinking the only way to access it was from outside by removing vent plate... anyone else have fan there? I've stuck my head in and searched the back by the engine/trim/ battery areas,, there's no fans there.. its in the wall..

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Bilge Blower location, help..

Most blowers are mounted to the hull, under the engine oil pan. One hose blows out the bilge, one hose lets fresh air in.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: Bilge Blower location, help..

k, will inspect more.........thanks,, I can hear the fan pretty loud and clear in the wall cavity....its got to be someplace it can be serviced I would think..

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Bilge Blower location, help..

It can be serviced, but often difficult to access.

 

[TribalFlounder]

Re: Bilge Blower location, help..

Mine is mounted vertical high on the transom in the engine bay, and routes the intake hose below the engine for pulling fumes. The exhaust hose runs to the vent at the back of the boat. Might not be the factory location, but it's easy to get to and still serves the purpose of pulling fumes from below the engine. You can put it anywhere within reason as long as it serves the same purpose. Make sure that the fan is oriented the correct way to pull air from the engine compartment, and route/secure the hose down low, keeping it above your bilge pumps.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Bilge Blower location, help..

Blowers are NEVER mounted under the engine.... I have never heard of one accessible from outside the hull.... Sometimes the engine has to be pulled to access them tho.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: Bilge Blower location, help..

the only thing under my engine oil pan is the bilge pump, the fans are starboard end, pretty darn close to the vent, seem to be in the wall a few inches.........as odd as that sounds,, hopefully I can remove the vent plate and get at it.. otherwise I might have to find a squirrel that can turn a wrench...

 

[garbageguy]

Re: Bilge Blower location, help..

Fans (plural)? Typically, there is one blower and 2 hoses. The blower is in-line of the hose generating a slight vacuum near the bottom of the bilge and discharging out through a hull vent on one side, one hose from a vent on the other side of the boat letting air in and directed near the bottom of the bilge. Do you have any pictures that could show what you have?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Bilge Blower location, help..

Intake hose IF there is one, is never directed near the bilge.

You are partially correct tho.... Generally there are two vent hoses.... Both intake near the lowest part of the bilge above likely bilge water level..... Often only one has a blower and the other functions only when the boat is at speed... Generally intakes are not ducted unless they must pass through another compartment before reaching the engine room.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Bilge Blower location, help..

... I can see two air hose connections on each end of the one vent shield. only one side is blowing hard, the other barely,, think one of them is about shot...

It is unlikely you have two blowers in a 20 foot boat.
The second hose is a passive vent line.
You may be feeling air going IN when the blower is operating.
Place a tissue over the vent to confirm if it blowing OUT or being sucked IN.