Bilge Blower keeps tripping

[therightfitz]

Alright, the latest that’s gone awry with my “new” 2000 260 bowrider signature select is the blower circuit keeps tripping. The little reset switch kept popping out while we were returning yesterday so for a good 20 mins or so I would have to turn the blower off, push the switch back in to reset it, and then turn the blower back on. It would work each time but only for between 1-5 mins each time. Any ideas on how I should approach troubleshooting this? Thanks in advance!

 

[Arminius]

Despite the manual, most owners run them for a few minutes at most before starting the engine. Blowers were invented for carbureted engines with vented float bowls. You've probably got an injected engine which should immediately go in for service if it smells of gas. It would probably be cheaper and prudent to get a new blower motor now or when it quits turning. You could put an ammeter on it or just fondle it to see if it is hot immediately after it shuts down as it is not sposed to. So, forget about it and turn your camera over.

 

[NorCal Boater]

If your blower is tripping a breaker there is a short someplace. Get it fixed or replaced NOW before it sparks or burns up something.

 

[therightfitz]

Yeah...so recommendations on how to go about trying to locate the short?

 

[scoflaw]

Another point is that breakers wear out after being tripped many times.

 

[Arminius]

Again, put your hand on the blower motor after it has tripped the CB. If it is warm, it needs rebuilding or replacement. It is designed for continuous duty and should not heat up. A DC motor has a lifespan. The commutator has 128 or so segments that rotate under spring loaded carbon contacts, reversing polarity every few degrees. The contacts, called "brushes," grind off over time and short out the segments. Take it apart, clean out the crevices, sand the commutator, take a light cut on your home lathe, sure! Look, failure was experienced and anticipated. That's why it has a CB. Replace it and move on.

 

[therightfitz]

Got it, thanks! Going to replace the amp as well as the blower.

 

[DEWEY]

With the switch off, try & see if you can turn the fan by hand as its likely stuck.
Turn the fan blade back & forth until it frees up, then see if it works.

 

[therightfitz]

Thanks all! I replaced the blower after looking at both the circuit breaker and blower. The blower was very corroded and operated at two different tones at times...the new one is smooth and quiet and didn’t trip the breaker. So...On to the next challenge!!