1994 Evinrude 175 Excess Smoke/Oil Use

[DavidRT2T]

I have a very nice Ranger Boat with a 1994 Evinrude Intruder 175 VRO. The boat has ran great since I have had it (4 years). Last fall I had it in for a motor tune up and lower unit lube inspection etc. Since it was in for service it seems to start and run great but after it runs for awhile (30 or so minutes) it has started smoking from the two exhaust ports next to the water pump visual indicator. It is using about 1/2 gallon of oil per 10 gallons of gas. Motor compression was 118 through 130 (as checked at the above mentioned check up). Has new plugs and run penz synth marine 2 cycle oil. I am running 93 octane but after I run these tanks out I will only use 87 (after reading many posts on this subject). Engine starts and runs great on ear muffs. It smokes alot cold but reduces to a "visible amount" only from the prop exhaust after warm up. When in the water and after the 30 minutes it seems to also start hard (alot more time to turn over). When I changed plugs they were wet with black oil/gas that would leave a small puddle under them if laid on their side. I have replaced the primer. I have read VRO or air leak is possible. I am just confused that it seems to start and run perfect and the problem only shows up after running awhile. What do the experts think???????

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1994 Evinrude 175 Excess Smoke/Oil Use

A half a gal. of oil per 10 gal. of gas is way to much. If you have a service manual, it will tell how to test oil consumption using a clear plastic tube. Also check the fuel system for air leaks or a restriction.

 

[AUGIDAWG]

Re: 1994 Evinrude 175 Excess Smoke/Oil Use

After running the engine, pull off the cover, and run your finger around the VRO pump. If you detect any gas (not at the fittings, but around the fat diaphram area), replace your pump. If you don't detect gas, replace your fuel lines and bulb, and try again.

 

[DavidRT2T]

Re: 1994 Evinrude 175 Excess Smoke/Oil Use

Ok, I have checked fuel line for "bubbles" through the clear peep tubes where the line enters the motor, all looks well. I ran the boat today and it cranks and runs perfect, just a little excess smoke and using to much "double" oil. I pulled the air breather and looked at all fuel/oil/vac line connections and all appeared fine. The Fuel filter was screwed on "hand tight only" but I didnt want to overtighten it since it is only plastic. I do have a question though. Looking at the VRO, there are basically 3 protruding modules. The top where the fuel connects, the bottom middle where the oil connects and on the right is a smaller protruding type of module with a brass threaded rod sticking out toward the motor front. The rod has a threaded black (similar to a valve stem cap) cap on the end of it and has a RED plastic trinagular shaped attachment between the cap and where the rod enters the module. The RED thing appears to be an indicator of some type and can be moved. It is currently facing down. The reason I ask is that this motor did not seem to use excess oil until it was in for the tune up last fall. It would seem possible that they forget to make and adjustment, tighten something, leave a vac hose off...etc. As of now I am leaning toward the VRO. I do not want to pre mix so would like a working VRO. I have heard the newer VRO's are better. I have not heard of a VRO "over" oiling. I guess I will return it to the shop, which is a bummer since it runs so well. I had it at 65 today on not the best water conditions. <br />Thanks again, you guys are great.

 

[DavidRT2T]

Re: 1994 Evinrude 175 Excess Smoke/Oil Use

Ok upon a second inspection, the hose that connects behind where the oil line connects to the VRO and then travels down and behind the VRO Plate mount, appears to be leaking at the connection to the VRO (I can see and feel oil around the connection)....does this mean anything? The VRO seems to be fine otherwise, but I am not sure where the "diaphram" is?

 

[clanton]

Re: 1994 Evinrude 175 Excess Smoke/Oil Use

The red lever should be align with the round solenoid body. You should also look for a break in the red plastic close to the brass insert. The red lever can be replaced if broken. About 5.00 for the lever

 

[DavidRT2T]

Re: 1994 Evinrude 175 Excess Smoke/Oil Use

What is this red lever for, and what do you mean aligned with the round solenoid body. Right now it is pointing stright down? <br /><br />Thanks

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1994 Evinrude 175 Excess Smoke/Oil Use

David....the component your descibing is the primer solenoid. When you push the key in to "choke", the solenoid is activated and shoots fuel mix directly into the throat of the carb for starting. The solenoid takes place of the old choke plates used on older outboards.<br /><br />The red lever is the manual operate lever. Should the solenoid go bad, you turn the red lever to the start position, move it counterclockwise I believe, till it stops. Start the engine then move the lever back along the long axis of the solenoid.<br /><br />In your original post you stated the compression as being 118 to 130. That's pushing the limits of the compression ratio of each cylinder being within 10% of each other. Did the wrench decarb the engine while it was in for serviceing? This coupled with using the high octane rated gas may be doing you a lot of no good.<br /><br />Addressing the leaking connection, you would be wise to check the connection and make sure it is tight. May need a new snap clamp or was jarred lose during maint. Also, check your hoses that they are not stiff at the connection points. A hard brittle hose will leak.<br /><br />Keep us posted and good luck.

 

[DavidRT2T]

Re: 1994 Evinrude 175 Excess Smoke/Oil Use

Thanks for the info, but could a brittle hose really cause me to suddenly start using double oil? Can the VRO cause this and if so why? I will get new snap clamps and replace them...what size will i need? Also should the fuel primer bulb stay hard while the motor is running, it stays semi hard and can be pumped more. If I decide to premix, what is the procedure to disconnect the oil side of the VRO pump. Am I correct in understanding only 2 things can cause too much oil consumption. 1 is the VRO, 2 is a Fuel Air leak. Am I missing something else? Vacuum hose?

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: 1994 Evinrude 175 Excess Smoke/Oil Use

David,<br /> <br /> If the brittle hose is deteorated enough,yes.Fix that leak first. Try running the motor briefly with the Oil tank cap off or lose.I had a problem with the one-way check valve in the cap.If it's stuck it could cause over-oiling.Another thing you can do is remove your gas cap and try running it.This will release any pressure from a clogged fuel tank vent.Check the vent and vent line for blockage.

 

[DavidRT2T]

Re: 1994 Evinrude 175 Excess Smoke/Oil Use

The hoses absolutely do not appear to be brittle. They are soft and pliable throughout. The fuel tank vents are located on either side of the boat (I beleive) and will allow fuel to spill from them if I fill too fast or over fill. I will check on the oil tank cap valve when I get a chance. Any other ideas????