Boating enthusiasts understand the importance of maintaining their boats to ensure they function optimally. One critical component of any boat is the blower motor. A boat blower motor is an essential component that helps to prevent the buildup of potentially explosive fuel vapors in the bilge area, ensuring the safety of everyone onboard.
What is a Boat Blower Motor?
A boat blower motor with a hook is a device used in boats to keep the engine compartment free of harmful fuel vapors. It is a small electric motor that creates a flow of air, which removes any fumes from the engine compartment and exhausts them outside the boat. The “hook” in the name refers to a small hook-shaped end on the motor’s housing that allows it to be secured to the boat’s interior. The blower motor is usually located near the engine or fuel tank, where there is a high concentration of fuel fumes.
The blower motor that ventilates the air of your bilge pump has stopped working. This will stop the air ventilation and your bilge pump will overheat.
What are the reasons for the boat blower motor not working?
This issue can be narrowed down to 4 possible reasons. Faulty wiring, problematic switch, fuse, or a damaged bilge blower. Diagnosing these problems requires some basic knowledge of electronics.
Not convinced yet? Worry not! We present a detailed diagnosis for your better understanding of the issue. You can easily figure out the root of the problem and fix the specific issue.
If you’re willing to spare some time, give this a read-
What Are The Reasons Behind Bad Motor?
If your blower motor isn’t working, there are four possible things at fault for this. We’ll start with inspecting the fuse and end with the blower itself.
A bad blower motor can eventually affect other boat parts such as the outboards. As a result, the outboard might crank but won’t start.
Here are the reasons why your blower motor might not be working-
Problem With The Fuse
The engine compartment blower will stop working all of a sudden. In this case, the light on the switch won’t turn on.
A blown fuse can happen for many reasons. Maybe someone somehow created a short. Or maybe something in the blower housing is slowing down the blower. This generates excess pressure on the circuit.
Another reason why the blower might stop working is due to the motor insulation breaking down.
Often starting an outboard motor that’s been sitting for long can have problems with the fuse.
If you have the blower under the vent, water and moisture can reach the blower and seize it. So it’s better to relocate your blower just above the vent. This will keep the fuse of the blower in good condition.
A blown fuse can only be fixed by replacing it with a new one. Carefully choose a fuse that has the proper amps for your blower.
Bad Switch
Perform the following procedure to diagnose the switch-
Disconnect the wire at the input terminal after locating it. From the battery, run a new jump-wire to the input terminal. Turn the switch on after connecting the battery to the input terminal.
If the blower turns on, there is a possible break between the switch and the battery. In case it doesn’t come on, you have to go a bit further.
Disconnect the first jump-wire from the output and run a second jump-wire. Run the second jump-wire to the blower from the output terminal. Turn on the switch after the operation.
Does the blower come on? If it still doesn’t start, we have to assume that you have a bad switch.
In case it does come on, the problem is somewhere between the switch and the blower. Be careful when dealing with the switch. You can inadvertently connect the switch somewhere else other than the blower if not careful enough.
Wiring Problem
Having issues with the wiring of your blower motor can be troublesome. To begin with, your wires will have bad voltage and the blower will not work. Turning on the switch will turn on the light. But the blower will still not work.
This problem can stem from an incorrect electrical grounding system of the boat. Check the power at the connection with a voltmeter. If you don’t have power, check your fuse/circuit breaker and switch.
If they are fine, there is a problem with your wiring. It won’t
Make sure that you have a proper grounding of the wire established with the blower. Having a proper grounding reduces the chance of getting weak voltage. If the wire has any internal/ external damage, replace it with new connectors.
Bad Blower Motor
You have checked the wires, the fuse, and the switch. And you still couldn’t manage to pinpoint any problem in them.
In such a scenario, we’ve to come to the conclusion that the blower motor is faulty. You can’t do much in this situation and it’s best to buy a new blower motor.
Don’t worry about finding the best replacement. We got you covered! Here are some of the best blower motors that you can get in the market-
A blower plays an important role in fanning out flammable fumes from the engine compartment. It also keeps your outboard free from the risk of explosion. Whether it’s Yamaha or Tohatsu, you should immediately replace your bad blower to avoid safety risks.
Electrical issues
Electrical problems, such as a blown fuse or a faulty connection, can cause the blower motor to stop working.
Common Electrical Issues
- Blown Fuse – It is a common electrical issue that can cause the blower motor to stop working. A fuse is designed to protect the electrical system from overloading, and when a fuse blows, it breaks the circuit and stops the flow of electricity. If the blower motor is not receiving power due to a blown fuse, it will not work.
- Faulty Connection – It can cause the blower motor to stop working. When the connection between the blower motor and the electrical system is not secure, it can cause the motor to stop receiving power, resulting in the motor’s failure to work.
- Worn-out Switch – Switch is an essential component of the blower motor’s electrical system. When the switch is worn out, it can cause the motor to stop working or work less efficiently. A worn-out switch can also cause electrical issues, such as a short circuit, which can be dangerous.
Solutions to Electrical Issues
- Check the Fuse – When the blower motor stops working, the first thing to check is the fuse. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same rating. It is also essential to check the electrical system for any other issues that may have caused the fuse to blow.
- Inspect Connections – Inspect the connections between the blower motor and the electrical system to ensure that they are secure and free of corrosion. If there is any corrosion, clean the connections with a wire brush or sandpaper.
- Replace the Switch – If the switch is worn out, it may need to be replaced. When replacing the switch, ensure that it is compatible with the blower motor and that it is installed correctly.
FAQs
Can you run a boat without a blower?
For all non-open type boats powered by gasoline and manufactured after July 31, 1980, the Coast Guard mandates the use of a mechanical ventilation system. Even if your yacht is older, it must still adhere to USCG minimum ventilation requirements, which may necessitate the use of a bilge blower.
How long should a blower operate before starting the engine?
The recommended length for operating a blower is about 4 minutes prior to starting the engine. This will keep the engine from overheating. The blower should always keep running when the boat is in an idle state.
How much will replacing the blower motor cost?
On average, you may need to count around $120 to replace your blower motor. The typical range of blower motor replacements can be anywhere between $30 to $300. Even with a warranty, you will still have to pay a hefty labor fee of $150. High-end models with large motors might sum up as much as $500.
How many blowers do I need in my boat?
The optimal number of blowers in a boat should be two blowers. One will help to blow inside air out and the other will suck in outside air. Having 2 blowers should be enough to facilitate proper airflow in your boat.
Should the blower be on when fueling a boat?
So, what can you do make sure gas or fumes aren’t getting into your bilge? First, you want to make sure you turn your blower off while refueling. This will lower the risk of those fumes being sucked into your boat. You also want to check your hoses at least once a year.
When should I turn my boat blower on?
Before starting your engine, turn on your boat’s power ventilation system (exhaust blower) if it is equipped with one. Do this for at least four minutes. By doing this, fuel vapors in the bilge will be reduced. Check for fuel vapors in the bilge and engine space before starting the engine.
Final Words
You can now figure out the reason for your boat blower motor not working. With this newfound knowledge, you now know which specific part of the blower motor to mend.
Try taking professional help as these issues require technical skills. If the blower fan is beyond any repair, replace it.
Hope this article proved useful to you in dealing with your blower motor. Have a good day!
I’m Liam Jackson, the proud owner and driving force behind KayakPaddling.net. Born somewhere in the expansive beauty of the United States, I’ve nurtured a lifelong passion for kayaking and fishing that has led me to explore the far corners of our nation’s waterways.
