VRO conversion ???

PierBridge

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 3, 2004
Messages
625
My friend wants me to eliminate the VRO oil injection system on a 1987 Johnson 50 hp that he just purchased, no manual at this time.<br />I know we have to plug off the oil injection fitting on the engine do I need a particular alloy? what size and type plug should I use, also do I need any Loc-Tite or Teflon tape.<br />Will I be able to disconnect the VRO alarm without a manual?<br />Any other tips would appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks Pier.
 

ob

Admiral
Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
6,992
Re: VRO conversion ???

You can use a stainless steel shouldered bolt with the threads cut off and secure with a hose clamp.Follow the harness from the vro pump to the amphenol connector and simply unplug it and secure both ends from flopping around.You'll also need to disconnect the two leads from the oil reservoir that signal low oil alarm.Once you premix the fuel tank at 50:1 ,disconnect the fuel inlet to pump and squeeze primer bulb until the premix fuel reaches the pump inlet ,then reconnect.Once complete,you may want to insure that the overheat alarm is still operational by turning the igntion key to the "on" position and peel back the connector sleeve of the tan wire lead from the temp sensor and ground it to the engine block.Alarm should sound.
 

PierBridge

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 3, 2004
Messages
625
Re: VRO conversion ???

Thanks ob!!!!!<br /><br />Everthing is dissembled in my garage right now so I will have to try and get the puzzle to make sense so I don't screw up my friends new motor.
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: VRO conversion ???

Go over to the local John/Rude dealer and ask for nipple plug cover PN315391. It's a rubber cover that fits over the oil nipple on the lower engine pan when the VRO is disconnected. Secure it with a wire tie. Cost about 56 cents.
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: VRO conversion ???

(VRO Changeover Judgement Call) <br />(J. Reeves)<br /> <br /> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />********************<br />(VRO Pump Conversion To Straight Fuel Pump)<br />(J. Reeves)<br /><br />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:<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2 - Trace the two wires from the oil tank to the engine, disconnect those two wires, then remove them and the oil tank.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.
 

PierBridge

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 3, 2004
Messages
625
Re: VRO conversion ???

I would just as soon leave the VRO in tact but the motor is going on a pontoon that is used by many different branchs of the family tree and we think it would make it easier overall to just mix don't know for sure but we feel a little safer this way.<br /><br />You guys rock!!!<br /><br />Thanks a Million...Pier
 
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