Blower?

[Av8tor07]

I just took possession on my 212X and did the break in procedure. My question is: How do you guys use the blower? I know about the 4 minutes prior to engine start, but then what? My old I/O required the blower on 4 minutes prior and always on, except at WOT. I read the manual and it doesn't specify when to turn it off, it's not like I'm always at WOT but still would like to known. Thanks.

 

[Noko]

There's no need to leave it on after the initial clean out period. Some guys leave it on, some don't. I usually forget its on until I stop running.

 

[bobbie]

Turn it on while you get the boat loaded up and we turn it off once we are underway. If we stop surfing long enough for some lunch (highly unlikely) we will turn it on for a bit before we start the engines again. Easy thing to do to avoid a catastrophe.

 

[Scuba_ref]

I turn mine off after we get above no wake speed and then it stays off until I need to restart the engines after sitting for more than a few minutes.

 

[Julian]

On before you start your engine (s). If you want to add a great safety feature, buy and install a Xintek Fume Detector (link in my signature). Personally I think it should be a required safety feature on all inboard engine boats....its a cheap and easy way to help ensure you don't blow yourself up!

 

[haknslash]

Sometimes if I'm creeping along at near idle and No Wake Mode for long periods of time exploring a slough or cove I'll turn the blower on since there isn't a lot of air circulating at those speeds. A fume detector is something I plan to add as well.

 

[Av8tor07]

On before you start your engine (s). If you want to add a great safety feature, buy and install a Xintek Fume Detector (link in my signature). Personally I think it should be a required safety feature on all inboard engine boats....its a cheap and easy way to help ensure you don't blow yourself up!

I do plan on adding a fume detector. I read all about it on your post, good job on it.

 

[Jetswu87]

I try to get in the habit of turning it on whenever I'm at no wake speeds.

 

[bumpy]

I turn the blower on a few minutes before I start the boat's engines, and shut it off after the engines are stopped. Maybe a little too cautious, but........

 

[buckbuck]

I turned mine on once back in 2010...

 

[Beachbummer]

The engine moves in air it's displacement rating every revolution more or less ( almost around 1 liter, a bit over a quart of air ) That's a lot of air, way more than the blower ever pushes. once its running the blower doesn't do a whole lot, but I guess it does not hurt either.

 

[merlinjet]

Never turn it on...just pop the engine bay cover for about 10 secs and then start. Haven't forgotten to put that cover back down once.

 

[druppert]

I have heard that the blower is unnecessary on a fuel injected engine. Apparently they were used on carbureted engines of old to clear out fumes created by fuel exposed to open air but manufacturers are still required to install them on inboard powerplants. I don't take any chances so I turn it on when I get to the ramp and turn it off after starting.

 

[2nazt]

@druppert even on fuel injected inboards you can have a fuel leak somewhere that will have a large a amount of fumes in the area. Or a cracked vent line and while everything heats up it pushes vapors out.

 

[ripler]

Once we launch the boat my wife or daughter turn it on while I park the truck, then it rarely gets used unless we stop for a long period of time. If they are required on fuel injected motors why would PWCs be excluded? Like mentioned above i think it's an old mandate for carb engines on boats that never got changed when fuel injected engines where introduced.

 

[Neutron]

Gas fumes can still build up in the engine bay no matter carb or injected. And it doesnt take a backfire to light it up.
Your starter can create a spark internally and Kaaaaaboooom!

 

[Beachbummer]

I agree that it is not required.

Only until an issue occurs that causes fumes to accumulate and blow up the boat.

I admit I also have started many times after a few seconds of running the blower, smelling around, and taking my chances....
Don't do it on my account!!! Only you assume the risks and suffer the consequences of your actions. It would save you from an otherwise unlikely but terrible accident when used at the right time.

 

[Av8tor07]

Thanks for all of the responses.

 

[Gym]

Never turn it on...just pop the engine bay cover for about 10 secs and then start. Haven't forgotten to put that cover back down once.

Just remember, gasoline fumes are heavier than air and will collect at the bottom of the engine bay or in the bilge. You may notice the blower hoses are positioned at the lower part of the engine bay for this reason. Opening the engine hatch will NOT dissipate gas fumes. Also any engine, carburatored or fuel injected is susceptible to a fuel leak. You could have a fuel delivery line, filler or vent line or even a fuel tank leak. Blowers were installed after many people were injured or killed due to fuel explosions. Don't be one of them.