Removing the VRO system on a Johnson 50

[glenmoore670]

I bought a fishing rig with a Johnson 50 (J50BELCDE) a few years ago and was told by the previous

owner that the oil injection had been removed and that I needed to add outboard oil to the gas,

which I’ve always done.

When I started it for the first time this season, I noticed a really strong gas smell. I removed

the cover and found a leak on what I thought was the fuel pump. However, a little research tells

me that it's the VRO pump. It's mounted on the air intake, has 3 hoses, and a 3-wire plug.

Since I've been mixing the gas anyway for several years, I'd like to just eliminate the VRO

system completely. I know I can cap off the two small hoses that go to each intake (?), and get

rid of the solenoid (?) that they come from. But I have a few more questions.

I don't know if the VRO pump regulates fuel pressure, or if the fuel line feeding it is already

regulated. I also need to know if I'll have to jump any wires on either the VRO pump harness, or

the solenoid that the oil lines connect to harness, in order for the ignition to work.

If there is anything else, or if someone could point me in the right direction I would really

appreciate it. Although I'm not an outboard mechanic by any stretch, I have been tinkering with

boats, bikes, cars, ATVs, and other engines for 25 years, so I'm not about to let this minor

problem stump me.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Removing the VRO system on a Johnson 50

First, I'd suggest that you obtain a service manual for that engine in order to avoid a possible expensive mistake. There's no need to be removing any solenoid, and I assume you're speaking of a fuel primer solenoid (look upon that as an electric choke).

UNless the VRO is actually cracked and leaking, there is no need to remove it.... simply convert it to a stand alone fuel pump.... which I believe has already been done. The following may be of interest to you.

(VRO Changeover Judgement Call)
(J. Reeves)

The VROs first came out in 1984 and have been upgraded quite a few times. In my opinion, back around 1988, they had perfected them but I think that they were upgraded even more since then. As long as the warning system is operating as it should, I feel quite at ease with them.

Some boaters have voiced their thoughts such as "What if that overpriced plastic horn should fail while I'm under way for some reason, and the VRO decides to fail five minutes later?" Obviously that would result in a big problem which really brings their fears into view.

The word "ease" is the key word though. If one has the slightest feeling of being ill at ease with that setup, then they should take the route they feel more at ease with. A judgement call each individual would need to make on their own.

http://stores.ebay.com/Evinrude-Johnson-Outboard-Parts-etc?refid=store
********************
(VRO Pump Conversion To Straight Fuel Pump)
(J. Reeves)

You can convert the VRO pump into a straight fuel pump, eliminating the oil tank and VRO pump warning system, but retain the overheat warning setup by doing the following:

1 - Cut and plug the oil line at the engine so that the oil side of the VRO pump will not draw air into its system. Trace the wires from the back of the VRO to its rubber plug (electrical plug) and disconnect it.

2 - Trace the two wires from the oil tank to the engine, disconnect those two wires, then remove them and the oil tank.

3 - Mix the 50/1 oil in the proper amount with whatever quanity fuel you have. Disconnect the fuel line at the engine. Pump the fuel primer bulb until fuel exits that hose with the tint of whatever oil you used. Reconnect the fuel hose.

That's it. If you want to test the heat warning system to ease your mind, have the key in the on position, then ground out the tan heat sensor wire that you'll find protruding from the cylinder head. The warning horn should sound off.

 

[glenmoore670]

Re: Removing the VRO system on a Johnson 50

Thanks for the response. The pump is cracked, so if it can't be removed I'll have to replace it.

I'm a bit confused after reading a little on the net. Does the VRO pump on my engine function as the fuel pump as well as oil pump? I've found several things saying it does. However, I bumped the key a few minutes ago and gas shot out of the fuel line.

I do have a manual, but it unfortunately it's at my other home, 80 miles from here. I'm planning on picking it up in the next day or so.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Removing the VRO system on a Johnson 50

Yes - the VRO pump consists of two halves. Looking at the engine from the port side, the right end of the pump is the oil pump. The left half (connected to the air box) is the fuel pump. If fuel is leaking from the housing because it's cracked or otherwise damaged, then one of two things need to happen: You either replace the VRO pump and reconnect the harness and external oil tank, or you can replace the VRO pump with the much smaller fuel-only pump. If you use the fuel-only pump you must continue to pre-mix fuel and oil.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Removing the VRO system on a Johnson 50

I think that you can take that over to the old style fuel pump [Edit]
[part # 395713 ss 438556] That was the optional pump in 1986 on that model.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Removing the VRO system on a Johnson 50

That's what I did with my 70 HP. Just converted to the old style pump. Think it was about $50.00 or so and a couple hours work getting all the old VRO pump parts out and plumbing in the new one. Looks like this now:


Old VRO:

New pump:

 

[ezeke]

Re: Removing the VRO system on a Johnson 50

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