Bilge Fans - independent or ganged

[vtcats]

Speaking of bilge fans, I spent maybe 2 hours today twisted like a pretzel attempting to replace one of my 4 I have on the boat. I’ve come to the conclusion it will be easier to cut a 2x2 hole in the side of the boat, darn it. Joking aside
I may have to remove the large diesel fuel hose that connects right there at the tank. It’s the main thing preventing me from getting both arms/hands into that space on the side.
Stretching and twisting and using mostly one hand goes only so far. Had to give up (for now) with one side side of the connection point still attached and one end of the bilge hose disconnected.

[KyleR]

The issue is that the Fan #1 circuit breaker has to carry the load of all 4 fans (because of the ganging), and it pops when all four fans are running. Any combination of 3 fans (e.g., #1, 2, 3, or #1, 2, 4, etc...always requiring #1 to be on), will run without problem.

Just to let you know what I found out about this. The fans are not ganged, each having own independent power. However the power from Fan #1 activates a relay on all of the fans to allow the master fan switch to work. So, Fan #1 needs to be on to allow any fan to be on, but not all power is running through the Fan #1 circuit.

Okay - I realize this thread is super old - but when I read through it the one question I didn't see answered was about the "4th" fan breaker tripping when all four fans are running. The OP did later state that Fan #1 is not carrying all the load as initially thought and that it was a relay that Fan #1 actuated to allow the other fans to run. Just curious if you ever determined why the "4th" fan that got turned on would trip its breaker? Thanks!

[Midnightsun]

Probable causes are a seized bearing or worn out #4 blower or short on #4 wiring.

[KyleR]

I considered about the seized bearing but in the OP's examples he actually says "(e.g., #1, 2, 3, or #1, 2, 4, etc...always requiring #1 to be on), will run without problem."

That indicates that all four fans are working - they just can't be run at the same time.

[paulr]

I have a newly aquired 2001 396. The marine surveyor ripped this boat up pretty good because he could'nt find the forward or aft bidlge pumps. hopefully someone can tell me how to access them for testing.
Thanks

[Phrancus]

you may want to start a new topic about your bilge pump quest. This is an old topic.

[Crawfde]

I have a 460 Voyager and none of the blowers are operational and, as has been stated, getting to them is near impossible for an average man. Any suggestions on where to start looking for the relay location? if they are "near" the blowers I am ready to add new blowers and relocate them to be more accessible. Thanks in advance.