Simple fix to Moniter VRO pump working properly

[Abomb27]

Hi,
I have a 115 turbojet motor with the vro pump. I have read about major damage if the pump stops injecting oil. As a possible monitoring system to check for proper function of the pump. I wanted to Install a glass inline fuel filter after the vro pump in the gas line to the carbs. I would remove the filter element so I dont restrict fuel flow. At the dock as part of my safety checks with the motor warming up I can clearly see if it's mixing gas and oil. My question is does anyone see any safety issues or concerns with that? Thanks

 

[WernerF]

Re: Simple fix to Moniter VRO pump working properly

I also thought about that. The first thing would be to replace the oil sight tube by clear glass. Maybe oil flow can be monitored by watching small air bubbles or suspended particles move. Maybe some piece of glass used in chemistry lessons.

Do you use colored oil and are you able to determine oil in fuel just by watching the mixture through glass?
I use non-colored synthetic oil and would have to compare VRO input and output color.

But I can't see any safety concerns.

 

[Abomb27]

Re: Simple fix to Moniter VRO pump working properly

Currently the oil in the tank has a green tint to it, so I can easily tell if its mixing with the gas. But I just got this boat and plan on replacing everything. So I will be draining the oil tank and putting in new oil. So not sure what the other oil will look like. But I didnt think there would be any concerns that I could think of either. Thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: Simple fix to Moniter VRO pump working properly

In my book the best solution is to disable the VRO and go with pre mix. That way you know the proper amount of oil is getting to the engine.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Simple fix to Moniter VRO pump working properly

Even if you have a "sight" confirmation that the VRO is working, that check means it is working at that particular time. You may get 100 feet away from the dock and the system may not deliver the correct amount of oil or no oil at all. Keeping the alarms working and knowing what they mean is all you need.

 

[stylesabu]

Re: Simple fix to Moniter VRO pump working properly

if alarms r working you will have plenty of time. just always keep enough oil on boat to fill tank to 50 to 1 mix. i seized a motor because i didn't shut it down fast enough, but the boat was new to me less than 10 hours on it, and it had silicone on the vro. The vro isn't rebuildable for what its worth. you can build fuel pump but not vro

 

[Abomb27]

Re: Simple fix to Moniter VRO pump working properly

I do agree that it is only good at the time you look at it, and is useless while on the way. I thought it would make an good safety net in addition to the factory alarm. I am concerned about how reliable the alarm is. I like the convienance of the vro but I sure dont want to blow the motor. Maybe going pre-mix like suggested is safest.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Simple fix to Moniter VRO pump working properly

Most OMC VRO systems already have a sight glass in the oil line just for that purpose. Part number 331623 is the sight glass part number on the 1987 115-as an example. My 92 70 hp has the same sight glass. Another visual check: mark the oil tank and check to see that the oil level goes down as you run the engine.

 

[WernerF]

Re: Simple fix to Moniter VRO pump working properly

My 1989 60hp also has the 331623 sight tube, but it's not made of glass and barely transparent. Is it due to its age and are new ones better?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Simple fix to Moniter VRO pump working properly

The sight "glass" is a transparent plastic. It's just clear enough that once the dyed oil starts to flow thru it, it become visible.

 

[Abomb27]

Re: Simple fix to Moniter VRO pump working properly

This site is great, good information from people that like to do things themselfs like me. For now I'm gonna pre-mix and use the vro till I can build some confidence in the pump. I read the 25:1 ratio is good for worn motors, increases compression and crankcase pressure. I could be wrong. Haven't tried it yet.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Simple fix to Moniter VRO pump working properly

I'd run the factory recommended oil ratio. If you have an operational VRO, let it meter the oil. If you premix, use the recommended factory (probably the 50/1) ratio. Excess oil can cause excess carbon buildup around the ringsets over time and it'll smoke excessively.