Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: Eisensail on November 18, 2014, 08:20:44 AM

Title: Blower motor access
Post by: Eisensail on November 18, 2014, 08:20:44 AM
My blower motor has 2 crimp connectors on the wires that go from the cockpit panel blower switch to the blower motor. While working on my panel wiring project one of the wires to the blower pulled out of the crimp connector.  I can't reach it to re-crimp it through the opening for the panel.  I tried to acces the wires by removing the port panel in the aft berth, but no luck there.  Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Stu Jackson on November 18, 2014, 08:35:59 AM
Only place you haven't tried is the lazarette, right?  :D  That's where I would have gone first.
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: mregan on November 18, 2014, 08:51:24 AM
The blower should be in the lazarette like Stu mentioned.  You may have to crawl in there to get at it.
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Eisensail on November 18, 2014, 09:06:56 AM
I guess I have too much stuff in the lazarett since I looked there as well and didn't think it went thru. I guess it's time to clean out the PO's old dock line and broken broom handle collection :clap
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Ralph Masters on November 18, 2014, 01:01:35 PM
If you have not yet been in that aft lazzert, you are in for a fun filled afternoon.  I've been in ours 4 or 5 times, an "E" ticket ride for sure.

Ralph
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: mregan on November 18, 2014, 01:21:27 PM
It should on the wall separating the lazarette from the aft berth.  Right under the engine panel.  Once you are in and sitting down, it actually rather roomy.  Just getting in and out is a pickle.
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Noah on November 18, 2014, 01:43:27 PM
Guess it depends on the boat. Mine has a screwed in plywood shelf all the way across; with propane box near midline bilge pump and its hoses taking up portside near midline and the blower bolted to the shelf on portside. a under the shelf on starbord side is another shelf with reefer compressor.  All in all no way to "dive in" my locker until propane box and then top shelf is removed. Not a quick operation. Unfortunately, while clean looking and solid, this limits my usable storage access... I may change the arrangement "some day"...
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Ron Hill on November 18, 2014, 02:42:22 PM
Eisen : There is another option - to install a 6" Beckson port just under the engine instrument panel.

I did that so I could make a platform for my cockpit VHF to sit on(Mainsheet tech note article).  Then you can also get at that loose blower wire !!  :D

A thought
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Eisensail on November 18, 2014, 05:42:23 PM
Wait, are you talking about the starboard lazarette or aft lazarette? I have an open transom model, so my aft ones are about 2' by 2'.  I am also 6'6"  :shock:
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Noah on November 18, 2014, 06:44:25 PM
Aft. Mine is also a 1990 (hull 1014) with a "walk-over" transom, not walk through. The push pit (stern pulpit) is split with a gate, and opens for ladder to hinge down and climb down onto sugar scoop stern/step.
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: KWKloeber on November 18, 2014, 09:56:29 PM
Quote from: Eisensail on November 18, 2014, 05:42:23 PM
the starboard lazarette or aft lazarette?

Mates!!!  If a boat has a lazarette, it's found in only ONE location on the vessel !   :abd:

Ken K
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Ken Juul on November 19, 2014, 07:05:59 AM
On MK1.5s with the walk thru, we have 2 lazerettes, one on each side of the walk thru.  About a 2x2 opening under the fold up seat give you access.  One would have to be very small to get in and out.  At least on my boat which is ~100 newer than the one in question, the propane locker takes the port side which will block any access to the wires.  If you really can't reach it by removing the aft berth plywood walls, then maybe use a coat hanger to start fishing.  Maybe you will get lucky.  If not, removing the fuel tank to gain access may be your only choice.
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Craig Illman on November 19, 2014, 07:48:34 AM
On my 1991, hull #1150, the blower was mounted on the aft side of the aft panel in the port lazarette. You needed to remove the panel with maybe four screws to access the blower, the rear side of the shore power outlet, and anything else back there, like the engine panel. Like Ken's boat, my rear port lazarette had the propane locker. I was able to get into the starboard side, spin and crawl under the step through and over to the port side, but never would be able to come close to the blower. I'm only 5'6" and 140#.

Craig
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Eisensail on November 19, 2014, 08:44:48 AM
My boat is the same as Ken's with 2 lazarettes on each side of the walk through and a large lazarette under the port bench.  The blower motor is between the engine panel cutout and the port lazarette.  The problem is the wire that I need to crimp to is about 3" long hanging off the motor.  I can reach it with one arm stretched way down from the engine panel opening, but I can't cut off the old crimp connector and crimp a new with one hand. In addition when I put my arm down there I can't see what I am doing.

When I go this weekend I'll try to get access through the port lazarette like I think Stu suggested, but I think it's just a closed in box.  Removing the aft cabin wall may be my only access.

Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Mike and Joanne Stimmler on November 19, 2014, 10:55:43 AM
Is it possible to just run a whole new wire from end to end or is the end point at the blower the problem.
My '89 didn't have a blower and I don't know if the P O removed it or it never had one.
I'm probably missing the point here somewhere but is it really necessary to have a blower on a diesel engine?

Mike
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Les Luzar on November 19, 2014, 04:08:11 PM
I am with Mike. When I bought my boat eight years ago, the blower did not work, and although I always think about replacing it, I never did. I always thought that when I run out of projects I may replace it, but I never got to it. It seems like there is no need to replace it. Is it really necessary?
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Phil Spicer on November 19, 2014, 04:36:10 PM
   How do you fuel your stove ? ? ?  Most have propane & if it leaks outside the propane locker it will go to the bilge....Fix / replace & run your bilge blower. There is a reason it's there.....the safety of you and all aboard.
    If all fails, install a new blower in a new location and run a new hose or hook into the old hose where you can get to it under the aft cabin.
   Just another option
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Noah on November 19, 2014, 04:41:57 PM
It is a good safety feature to have and use. I would fix it. I have also heard of some folks running it all the time they are motoring to help dissipate heat below decks.
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: KWKloeber on November 19, 2014, 04:45:08 PM
Quote from: Phil Spicer on November 19, 2014, 04:36:10 PM
   How do you fuel your stove ? ? ?  Most have propane & if it leaks outside the propane locker it will go to the bilge....Fix / replace & run your bilge blower. There is a reason it's there.....the safety of you and all aboard.
    If all fails, install a new blower in a new location and run a new hose or hook into the old hose where you can get to it under the aft cabin.
   Just another option

How does it leak outside the LP locker if it's properly overboard drained?  
Who runs their blower for 3 mins before starting a diesel?  
If LP was leaking continually (say a bad solenoid and a leaking hose to the range hose) would the blower be running at all times while at the slip, on a hook, while sleeping, etc.?  
Run the blower at all times while making coffee, cooking, etc.?

Another thought

KK
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Noah on November 19, 2014, 04:49:51 PM
Kind of a belt and suspenders approach perhaps?  I also have a Fireboy gas/fume detector.
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Stu Jackson on November 19, 2014, 05:05:15 PM
And assure there's a spark-proof motor.
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Ken Juul on November 20, 2014, 05:46:08 AM
IIRC the blower motor is held in place by screws that are visible above the cockpit seat just forward of the engine control panel.  Perhaps, unscrew, bring entire unit out, fix wires and reinstall.
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Ron Hill on November 20, 2014, 02:41:09 PM
Eisen : With a walk thru transom, I'll guess that the only way you'll ever get at that blower motor wire is to remove the engine instrument panel and go fishing for it!

Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Eisensail on December 08, 2014, 05:41:57 PM
Just wanted to add the final solution for fixing this problem.... First, my boat is a MK1.5 (full walk through transom) which is why it may or may not be different than other boats out there.  To get access to the blower motor, and the short 2" wire I needed to re-attach to, there is a panel on the aft side of the port lazarette which comes out with 3 screws that run along the bottom edge of the panel.  It is a bit of a chore to get the panel out because the diesel filling tube goes through it, but with enough wiggling it will move.  The blower is actually mounted on the backside of this panel, so once it's pulled out about a foot you can reach where the wire goes into the motor housing.  I was able to crimp a new wire and now it's fixed!
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Mike and Joanne Stimmler on December 09, 2014, 10:17:14 AM
I'm glad you were able to figure it out. It's always a great feeling when you work through a new project and are able to complete it successfully.

:clap :clap

Mike
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: rmbrown on March 25, 2018, 07:22:11 AM
I'm doing mine now.  Best access, in my opinion, is through the bulkhead that covers the aft water tank with the tank removed.  You might be able to get at it without pulling the tank, but I'm 240 and 6'4".
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: sailaway on March 26, 2018, 04:20:23 PM
I have a 1986 they didn't have blowers in them from the factory. Still doesn't have one it's a diesel. Charlie
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: rmbrown on March 27, 2018, 03:41:46 PM
My primary reason for putting it back is so that I can run the blower to keep the engine compartment cooler.  My hope is that, by keeping the alternator cooler, I can minimize my engine run time (charging time) on the hook.
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Eisensail on March 27, 2018, 04:11:40 PM
 My reason for running the blower is to reduce the diesel smell in the aft berth after motor for long periods of time.  I am not concern about flammable fumes like I once was when I owed a boat with an atomic4.
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: rmbrown on March 27, 2018, 04:26:20 PM
Eisensail... that's my bride's reason. :)

We sleep in the v-berth for the ventilation, though, and I've learned to love the faint smell of diesel, but hey... everybody wins!
Title: Re: Blower motor access
Post by: Bill Shreeves on March 27, 2018, 06:53:14 PM
QuoteI have a 1986 they didn't have blowers in them from the factory. Still doesn't have one it's a diesel
Quote

My '87 has a diesel and a blower.   I assume the blower was installed at the factory along with the diesel.