G Dane,<br /><br />In another post you asked about tests & maintenance of the VRO/OMS units. Maintenance-wise you should check (at least twice annually) for water in the oil reservoir and inspect the condition of all related hoses and clamps. If ANY hose is rock-hard or showing signs of cracks, replace it. Do the same for any loose-fitting hose clamps. Investigate any sign of oil seepage or leaking on the oil supply lines. If you have to replace a "pre-formed" hose, replace it with a "pre-formed" hose, or you could cause a kink in the oil delivery system by trying to make a length of straight hose make a bend.<br /><br />To test the "no-oil" warning system, run the engine on 50:1 pre-mix, at a high idle speed (1500 rpm's) for 5 minutes. Disconnect the oil hose from the inlet fitting and continue to run the engine. Once the pump runs out of oil (on earlier 100:1 pumps, this can take a long time), the alarm should sound. Once the alarm sounds, reconnect the oil supply hose to its fitting and secure with the clamp. This also tests the pumps ability to self-prime. This is not I test I routinely do - only if I suspect problems.<br /><br />The oil consumption test is done by attaching a length of 1/4" (i.d.) clear hose to the oil supply fitting. On the open end of the hose mark 6 inches in 1/2 inch increments. Fill the clear hose with the proper tcw-3 oil. Start & run the engine in gear at 1500 rpm's. The latest series of pumps (1996 & newer) should consume a 3 inch column of oil in 6 to 8 pulses of the pump. You can feel the pump with your hand or listen for the distinctive "click" every time the pump pulses. Older pumps take more pulses to draw 3 inches of oil, I don't have the specs in front of me...<br /><br />There are 2 other tests listed in the service manual. A gearcase pressure tester and a vacuum tester are required to perform these tests. The pump also has to be removed from the engine. These tests check the integrity of the air motor diphragm, rectifier valves and intermediate housing.<br /><br />In the 1999 Dealer Service Seminar, one final test is listed that check the integrity of the oil piston seal - its not commonly performed either and many techs have forgotten about it.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />-John
