Should I disconnect vro on motor

[jgregory01]

I have a 1999 Johnson 50hp 2st..model J50pleea. My mechanic wants to disconnect my vro. he said its because of his experience with these motors and he dosnt want my family stranded on the water. I dont think he is trying to get money out of me...its like a half hour job...about $35. Im just one of those guys who dosnt fix things that arent broken. Does anyone have an opinion based on experience with these? Thanks.

 

[Daviet]

Re: Should I disconnect vro on motor

As the old saying goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it. It's kind of a personal thing, some people love them and some hate them. From a person who was left stranded by a vro going out and causing damage to my engine, I don't care for them.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Should I disconnect vro on motor

For $35, I'd change it to premix. I find premixing no big deal. I own a Yamaha 90hp with a similar system, but in my opinion more reliable because the pump is run by a gear coming off the crankshaft and because it's a known good system. So, I've left it alone. I still worry about it.
JMO,
JBJ

 

[boobie]

Re: Should I disconnect vro on motor

I've been working on vro mtrs since they came out in '84 and I still don't trust them. But they do make good fuel pumps for 50/1 mix.

 

[mstahl1171]

Re: Should I disconnect vro on motor

I've been working on vro mtrs since they came out in '84 and I still don't trust them. But they do make good fuel pumps for 50/1 mix.

LOL....well said boobie. Disconnect the VRO....Mixing 50:1 is easy and you never worry about your engine getting oil...just my 2 cents

 

[jgregory01]

Re: Should I disconnect vro on motor

Thank ya'll for the advice. I have never mixed. Should I put the oil in the tank first or the fuel? Will I notice any less or more smoke? I hate to sound like an amateur but this is my first boat.

 

[Daviet]

Re: Should I disconnect vro on motor

When using a 6 gallon tank I put a couple of gallons of gas then the oil and finish filling the tank. If you maintain the proper oil/fuel ratio (50:1) the smoke should be minimal.

 

[zing]

Re: Should I disconnect vro on motor

I had mine go last year, not outright but it started to over oil. I now premix and love it. For $35 I'd take him up on it.

 

[tmfeaster]

Re: Should I disconnect vro on motor

Same here, premix ... peace of mind.

 

[Rick.]

Re: Should I disconnect vro on motor

On a 1999 you should have a VRO-2 system. Is the 2 not a more reliable system that VRO-I ? Rick.

 

[Pecenje]

Re: Should I disconnect vro on motor

Same here, premix ... peace of mind.

ditto... $35 is cheap insurance to keep your motor from seizing...

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Should I disconnect vro on motor

Actually, on a '99 Johnny you will have a 4 wire OMS pump. They are very reliable and give good warnings if things go wrong. The standard alarms are low oil in tank, overheat and no oil at motor. I would invest in a Systems Check techometer, which gives LED warnings as well as audible warnings, and leave the OMS systems functional. Carry enough oil so you can premix, should the OMS fail, which is unlikely.

 

[instantheet]

Re: Should I disconnect vro on motor

yes thats a good geal I have a 1992 johnson 90 hp..... i had mine disconnected for about 7yrs now no problem mixing.......i also had a few friends with older motors that didnt disconnect an was out of about three grand....$35 is a steal take it...........