Six Quick VRO Questions

[brettagostini]

The boat I'm refurbishing has a VRO. The motor is an '81 Evinrude 140hp.

The only info I can find on the VRO is that it is an "Economixer."

So, here's my questions about the Economixer:

1. On top of the VRO, there is a message that I should ensure the VRO is programmed correctly according to the owners manual. I do not have the Owners Manual yet, but even if I did, I can find no mechanism whatsoever for adjusting and/or programing the VRO. How is this supposed to be done???

2. On top of the VRO there are also some cryptic heiroglyphics. Letters A, B, C, etc. with symbols and dots. Whats that all about?? Would the owner's manual explain it?

3. Other than "OMC Economixer" is there a model or part number for this item that would ensure I purchase the correct manual? Any tips on where to find that number?

4. Other than the rubber gasket between the VRO and reservoir, are there any other consumables that I should replace while I have it all torn down?

5. Where would be a good website to find replacement parts for a VRO?

6. Once I've got everything back together and running... is there any way to "verify" the VRO is working correctly? I can watch it and see the periodic "puffs" of oil into the fuel... but is there any way to know that the correct amount is getting added?

Thanks guys. I love the convenience of this thing... but it really is kind of a mysterious "black box" to me.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Six Quick VRO Questions

1981's had a very unreliable mixer, either update to the new one, or put a standard fuel pump on it. and premix. really surprize that one is still working, and hasn't burnt the motor up, from lack of oil.

 

[rndn]

Re: Six Quick VRO Questions

Your fuel pump was made to work with the fuels of that time period. Today's fuel are vastly different and require different compositions of rubbers and plastics. You'll need to as Tash mentioned replace the VRO pump to a new one or put a regular pump and pre-mix. I recently aquired my boat with a 96 Evinrude 130. The first thing I had done was had the fuel pump replaced(the old one was leaking) with the most recent VRO pump and have been very happy with the pump. It will cost 200-300 for a new OMC pump, but money well spent to not have to worry about pre-mixing.

 

[DJ]

Re: Six Quick VRO Questions

Your fuel pump was made to work with the fuels of that time period. Today's fuel are vastly different and require different compositions of rubbers and plastics. You'll need to as Tash mentioned replace the VRO pump to a new one or put a regular pump and pre-mix. I recently aquired my boat with a 96 Evinrude 130. The first thing I had done was had the fuel pump replaced(the old one was leaking) with the most recent VRO pump and have been very happy with the pump. It will cost 200-300 for a new OMC pump, but money well spent to not have to worry about pre-mixing.

Agreed. The Economixer was not a very reliable system. The later OMC fuel injection pumps were very reliable. If you do not want to pre-mix, get a later model OMC oil injection pump.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Six Quick VRO Questions

here's some more: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=229989

 

[brettagostini]

Re: Six Quick VRO Questions

I'm a little confused. (Sorry... I'm new at this.)

When I think of the "fuel pump" I'm thinking of the small machanism that is attached to the powerhead near the carburators. I plan to replace this during my overhaul, but I get the feeling that you are talking about an additional fuel pump at the fuel tank.

If I remove the VRO and reservoir, and am willing to pre-mix this upcoming season, do I need an additional fuel pump? Or is the fuel pump assembly on the powerhead sufficient?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Six Quick VRO Questions

Two scenarios here. 1) The current or late model VRO that's being mentioned here is a single unit, mounted on the engine and serves two purposes -- A) pumping fuel and b)mixing oil with that fuel. You retain the oil resevoir, 2) If you elect to premix fuel, the fuel pump you have will work and you eliminate the oil resevoir and associated stuff and mix oil and fuel in the fuel tank. Which way you do it is up to you.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Six Quick VRO Questions

Excuse me, but does the fuel pump attached to your engine look like the one in the diagram below?

If the pump is as shown, it was #388268, now superseded by 438556.

If that is the pump that you have, you can premix your fuel 50:1 and run it directly to the pump, eliminating the Economixer.

 

[brettagostini]

Re: Six Quick VRO Questions

Yes, that is my Fuel Pump.

I plan to reorder and replace the fuel pump at Crowley Marine.com.

If I reorder I assume I'll get the updated, late model one.
(438556, according to ezeke.)

I will premix for now... too many other expenses... and replace the VRO in a year or so.

Thanks again guys.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Six Quick VRO Questions

While you are at it, get a water separating, full-sized fuel filter.