Dashboard switches

[Robbin]

Hello,
I just bought a Maxum SR1 build in 1999.
The switches on the dashboard are not possible to read anymore (because of sun or weather) so can not see witch one is for the blower. As I read before this is importand to use the blower before starting the motor.
Can anyone help me with this by posting a picture of the dashboard switches?
It will be very helpfull for me.

Regards Robbin

[mmwjr]

Welcome aboard and congrats on the new to you boat.

Have you tried turn the switches on one at a time to see what activities?

[Robbin]

Hello Mike,
Not yet because I was afraid what would happen when the motor was already running.
Is it ok to switch on the blower when the engine is on?

[MoonRiver]

Yes the blower can run with the engine off or running. But if you think you should run the blower prior, why or how did you start the motor without the blower?

Yes you should run your blower prior to starting. Check youtube you will see what happens when you do not run the blower first.

[MoonRiver]

You can order/ purchase new complete switches or just the switch covers on-line (use the search on this site to look up switch replacement. You can get switches with icons or text of what the switch controls.

[Robbin]

Originally Posted by MoonRiver

Yes the blower can run with the engine off or running. But if you think you should run the blower prior, why or how did you start the motor without the blower?

Yes you should run your blower prior to starting. Check youtube you will see what happens when you do not run the blower first.

Ok thank you for your answere.
I just started it and it runs but I see now that is bad idea to do.
I will just hoped to find out which button is for the blower or how to run the blower any other way to get rid of the gas. I could not find it on YouTube or else.

[Robbin]

Ok thank you very much, I will do that

[jrsick]

Previous owners may have rewired some of your switches over past 20 years. As previously recommended, turn them on and see what they do. One will likely be an accessory switch which comes unwired from the factory and for you to add components.
You can also crawl under console and see what color wires are connected to the switches. Match the colors up to the wiring diagram. My switches are bilge, blower, anchor, and accessory.

[mmwjr]

The purpose to run the blower prior to starting the engine is to remove any potential fumes that could explode. The blower should run without the key being in the ignition. If no switch turns it on check the fuses and see if 12V is getting to each switch then with them all on measure for 12V at the blower. If there is 12V the blower is bad and needs replacement, no 12V but 12V at all switches the wiring to the blower has an open.

[Robbin]

Thank you very much. That will help me definitely to find the right button. Thanks again

[surfbeetle]

After running the blower for 5 minutes prior to starting the engine, should the blower be left on when the engine is running? I'm a newbie to I/O, I've always had outboards. Thanks

[Phillbo]

I leave my blower on until I clear the no wake zone around the ramp or marina. Once on plane I turn it off.

[mmwjr]

Once the engine is running the blower can be turned off.

[surfbeetle]

Originally Posted by mmwjr

Once the engine is running the blower can be turned off.

Thank you.

[shrew]

As soon as the engine was running I would turn the blower off. (I use the past-tense because I have a diesel and my current boat doesn't even have a blower).

However, Philbo's process is actually the proper method. Some engine compartments have positive airflow, but require the boat be underway to push air through.

It is technically safer to have the blower on whenever you are stopped or at headway speed.