Yet another VRO question...

[jshane39]

1998 Johnson 200:
I am concerned that the oil side of the VRO2 may be failing. I did some reading on this site and tested the oil pump by using a clear section of hose and attached it directly to the oil side of the pump. I added oil as suggested and noticed the oil level drop as it was supposed to while the engine ran. However, while running the engine with the oil line from the oil tank, I see no drop in the oil tank level (which I marked with a marker). I have allowed the engine to idle for about 15 minutes with no change in the level. I would think that this would be long enough to detect a change in the level. I have pulled the filter from the oil tank, replaced the oil bulb and oil line into the engine. I have also pumped the oil bulb while the line was disconnected from the VRO and I get a good flow of oil.
This trouble shooting is the result of a no oil alarm, scuffed and honed #6 cylinder, then scuffed and sleeved #6 cylinder last season.
Any suggestions are welcome

 

[dozerII]

Re: Yet another VRO question...

After reading post after post on this site and others. Posting a poll, and I talked with the dealer I purchased my rebuilt 90 hp from, I disconected the oil side of my brand new VRO and have gone to Premix. The dealer told me it was totally up to me, but he also added that every motor they send out to outfitters and fishing lodges are disconnceted as well, because they do not want to take any chances, and premix everything.
Just my 2 cents
Glen

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Yet another VRO question...

Fifteen minutes of idling is not enough to see a difference in the tank. First, if you suspect an oiling problem, add oil to the tank, then test. A lot of failures are attributed to VRO and OMS pumps, when in truth, it's often crap in the carbs or some other lean running cause. The VRO2 especially, is very reliable. I had a 140 HP Johnson with VRO2 and it was flawless for 22 years and a lot of running time when I sold it. BTW, a VRO failure, if ignored, will usually result in damage to most, if not all, holes.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Yet another VRO question...

Fifteen minutes of idling is not enough to see a difference in the tank.

Agree completely.
Premix some with everything hooked up and see how much the level drops after a decent run.

 

[jshane39]

Re: Yet another VRO question...

Gentleman, thank you. I am running a 50:1 pre-mix currently as a break in precaution from the damage last year. I will give it a little more time to see if the level drops in the oil tank. Will keep you all "posted".

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Yet another VRO question...

Gentleman, thank you. I am running a 50:1 pre-mix currently as a break in precaution from the damage last year. I will give it a little more time to see if the level drops in the oil tank. Will keep you all "posted".

Work out how much it uses compared to the amount of fuel you burn.

 

[jshane39]

Re: Yet another VRO question...

(knocking on wood) I just went for a quick (not so fast) spin out towards the Chesapeake. Upon my 30 minute return, I noticed a drop in the level of oil in the tank. So far, so good. One thing I discovered yesterday while checking the filter in the tank was the little silver ball (bearing) that seems to work to keep the oil bulb pressurized. I used a small screw driver to push the ball to check its operation and it seemed to be momentarily frozen. I managed to work it loose and soon after it seemed to move freely. Hoping this may be a small problem that others have over-looked while trouble shooting a "no oil alarm". I was getting a no oil alarm regularly and between cleaning the alarm/tac gauge (moisture in the plug) and freeing that small silver ball has seemed to cure the problem. (again knocking on wood).

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Yet another VRO question...

This might give some more understanding of the "VRO"

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VRO.html

 

[jshane39]

Re: Yet another VRO question...

Unfortunately my knowledge of this particular VRO is becoming intimate. I read that article some time ago, thanks.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Yet another VRO question...

I read that article some time ago, thanks.

Then you would know that the "VRO" could not have damaged your #6 cylinder and left the others intact.

 

[jshane39]

Re: Yet another VRO question...

Why yes, yes I would......thank you for your insight.