Ideas for cooling down 292 engine compartment
08-04-2016, 10:09 PM
#64
Registered
The above pic was running at about 4000rpm and I had to look over my shoulder and take this pic while not killing myself. Bilge temps actually dropped as I increased speed so probably means I have good airflow to the engines.
Still made me think that a ram air would pick up performance.
Still made me think that a ram air would pick up performance.
08-04-2016, 10:14 PM
#66
Registered
The above pic was idling after a high speed run, temps gradually increased to 20+ degrees above ambient. Proves the bilge blower is most useful when idling. Also, I always crack the cover whenever I stop in the summer.
PM me if you need more info on the Fluke meter.
Pat
PM me if you need more info on the Fluke meter.
Pat
08-06-2016, 11:11 PM
#70
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Been reading through the thread, and thought I'd comment.
Just as you need to get good air in there, you need to get the bad air out. I've noticed with my 242 that there are intakes for getting "some" air into the bilge, but no extraction. On my buddy's Cigarette, the bilge is set up to ventilate quite well. The rear quarter on each side and the entire stern are open to the atmosphere. I believe that at speed there is a suction created at the stern that pulls air through the bilge. Our Formulas do not have this (my 242 doesn't). My other boats have had this set up (Four Winns and Chris Craft), but not this one. If I didn't think it would screw up the lines of the boat, I'd add vents just under the grab rails at the stern to help this along. I wonder how hard this will make getting my 454 into 5800-6K range rpm-wise?
Chasing out that tiny arrestor will definitely help in terms of air flow, but you still need fresh air.
Just as you need to get good air in there, you need to get the bad air out. I've noticed with my 242 that there are intakes for getting "some" air into the bilge, but no extraction. On my buddy's Cigarette, the bilge is set up to ventilate quite well. The rear quarter on each side and the entire stern are open to the atmosphere. I believe that at speed there is a suction created at the stern that pulls air through the bilge. Our Formulas do not have this (my 242 doesn't). My other boats have had this set up (Four Winns and Chris Craft), but not this one. If I didn't think it would screw up the lines of the boat, I'd add vents just under the grab rails at the stern to help this along. I wonder how hard this will make getting my 454 into 5800-6K range rpm-wise?
Chasing out that tiny arrestor will definitely help in terms of air flow, but you still need fresh air.
