[C320-list] Westerbeke 30B Engine

[Warren Updike]

After adding sound insulation around the engine, I replaced the failed blower with a model rated for continuous operations, so yes, it seems a rating is necessary. I then used 3" dryer hose to extend the incoming air up to the back of the alternator on the theory that a cooler running alt is a better alt. I don’t think the blower is all that effective at removing the hot air. I've taken to lifting the cover immediately behind the aft engine cover, and rotating it 90 deg. with one end against the next cover aft and the other end up against the engine cover thus elevating the mattress. This allows the engine heat to much more quickly dissipate. By bedtime, the heat is mostly gone. 

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Troy Dunn [mailto:troutwarrior at gmail.com] 
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2016 7:56 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Westerbeke 30B Engine

I've come across a few great articles on this topic.   Hence my earlier
comment about the debate.   The thought that resonated with me the most had
to do with circulating cool air in the engine compartment to cool down the
engine after running it.   I like this idea because we sleep in the aft
berth and that engine compartment stays warm long after the engine is
shut down.   I can't say with any certainty this will really have the
desired effect, nor do I know whether these blowers are rated for the
continuous operation required (an oft cited con to this approach).  I guess
I'll find out...

Cheers

Troy

On Monday, August 29, 2016, Ade Bateman <bateman at acm.org> wrote:

> > On Fri, Aug 26, 2016 at 11:53:11, Dick Walker wrote:
> > Why do you want the blower on?
>
> Well, primarily because I was taught to always use one on boats with
> propane tanks installed. That said, I don't always (often?) bother to
> these days. I just figured if I have one installed and functional it
> makes sense to not have to have the oil pressure alarm going off for
> the 5 minutes you're supposed to run it.
>
> > On Fri, Aug 26, 2016 at 13:01:21, Dave Ouimette wrote:
> > Which way does the blower move air.....into, or out of the engine
> > compartment? Not sure mine is setup properly.
>
> It should blow out of the engine compartment to remove any potentially
> explosive gases. There is a separate ventilation hose that does not have
> the blower that is designed to allow fresh air in. From memory, the blower
> vent is next to the blower on the port side of the transom and the air
> intake vent is on the starboard side.
>
> Ade.
>