Bilge blower type and timer or not?

[waynes world]

Hi all.

I am running twin petrol engines and want to be safe, some folk say i shouldnt need them etc etc but i want one. So getting one.

I want to fit a timer on the ignition so engines cant be started until the blower has been on for a set time.

What timers can you suggest for this job ?

 

[MontyMariner]

Why not just wire a blower relay switch through the ignition switch circuit?
Personally I would go for an engine bay extractor.

 

[waynes world]

Why not just wire a blower relay switch through the ignition switch circuit?
Personally I would go for an engine bay extractor.

Well i dont know what one is or how ts used but i will lok into them and which i need to get. Isnt a bilge blower and engine bay extractor the same thing a sit does the same thing ?

 

[RunAgroundHard]

You need a spark ignition suppressed blower for petrol engines. This type of blower will not cause a spark from the blower motor or static electricity to ignite petrol fume. For example: -

SHURflo Inline Blower 12V (YellowTail 102mm Hose / 12V)

 

[waynes world]

You need a spark ignition suppressed blower for petrol engines. This type of blower will not cause a spark from the blower motor or static electricity to ignite petrol fume. For example: -

SHURflo Inline Blower 12V (YellowTail 102mm Hose / 12V)

Yes I have a blower but it's the timer I am looking for. So I can turn on ignition then its on a timer before I can turn the engine over. I see some small gadgets on ebay but unsure if they are what I need.

 

[waynes world]

Something like this ??

EASY TO USE CAR TIMER SWITCH RELAY 1-150 SEC Delay OFF 12V 20A DIRECT 12V OUT | eBay

 

[ChromeDome]

Good idea but... You won't be able to start immediately, even in case of an emergency. Like drifting into some rocks and wanting to move away pronto.

Get into a good habit: Start the fan and open the bilge hatches for a swift visual inspection (oil check..?) in good time before starting.
Add a timer to keep the fan running after shutting ignition off.

You may even add a solar-driven fan to ensure ventilation even when parked.

 

[waynes world]

Or.better still ??

12V 10A Adjustable Timer Relay - Delay On/Off - Universal Automotive & Marine | eBay

 

[waynes world]

Good idea but... You won't be able to start immediately, even in case of an emergency. Like drifting into some rocks and wanting to move away pronto.

Get into a good habit: Start the fan and open the bilge hatches for a swift visual inspection (oil check..?) in good time before starting.
Add a timer to keep the fan running after shutting ignition off.

You may even add a solar-driven fan to ensure ventilation even when parked.

Good point there. Never thought of that when in an emergency.
So just fan on a switch. Better for safety. Be easier enough to get into a routine. I will be doing a check anyway before setting off. You never know whays heppend while away.
Maybe me being over cautious.

 

[Stemar]

Alternatively, you could use a timer, but have a bypass switch in case you need the engines in a hurry

 

[ChromeDome]

Alternatively, you could use a timer, but have a bypass switch in case you need the engines in a hurry

Also an option. I built and fitted this one to get a recirc fan going inside the fridge. Kick in when the compressor starts and run for 40 minutes after it stops.

 

[ChromeDome]

On the matter of fan type and size, I'd agree to the suggested extractor type and rather go too big than too small.
Clearly, the supply of fresh air to the bilge must be enough to feed both the engines and the fan.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Alternatively, you could use a timer, but have a bypass switch in case you need the engines in a hurry

Which can be left on so you don't need the timer

 

[waynes world]

I think ill just make life easy and connect the blower i have to a switch and use it manually.
There are good amount of vents to feed the engines.

thanks folks for the elp

 

[Stemar]

Which can be left on so you don't need the timer

True, You could get clever with a relay and a push button, or just use a push button that you have to hold in while starting.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I think ill just make life easy and connect the blower i have to a switch and use it manually.
There are good amount of vents to feed the engines.

thanks folks for the elp

You do not blow air into the engine room, you suck it out. The fan is not really there for cooling, it is there in case there is a build up of petrol fumes, which could ignite. You need to suck those fumes out, if they are present.

 

[waynes world]

You do not blow air into the engine room, you suck it out. The fan is not really there for cooling, it is there in case there is a build up of petrol fumes, which could ignite. You need to suck those fumes out, if they are present.

Yes. BIlge blowers do that.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Yes. BIlge blowers do that.

I'm aware of that, it depends which side of the fan you connect the hose to. Which fan do you have ?

 

[waynes world]

I'm aware of that, it depends which side of the fan you connect the hose to. Which fan do you have ?

One fitted in a way it sucks the air out.

 

[PaulRainbow]

One fitted in a way it sucks the air out.

I didn't ask how it was fitted, i asked which fan. Never mind, i was merely trying to be helpful.