VRO Oil tank vent stuck......

[Reel Appeal]

Hi Folks,<br /><br />I'am in the process of diagnosing my '96 Johnson 225 with a bad smoking habit.The VRO system is connected and working, although lately heavy blue smoke is the norm(even after warm up).I lost sight of the motor for a few seconds once <br />Well,today I attached the motor to a portable fuel tank and checked the oil tank vent(cap) on a whim.Would'nt you know there is a one way check valve in there that was stuck closed.I worked it free fairly easily.Now,with the motor attached back to the permanent fuel tank(line) the heavy smoking problem seems to have disappeared.I also checked the fuel tank vent line on the boat(clear).<br />Could the vent in the oil cap have caused such a problem or is that a long shot

 

[ob]

Re: VRO Oil tank vent stuck......

It could very well cause an oil flow problem.It's one of the check points of diagnosing an oil flow issue with the VRO system.I wasn't so lucky with mine as it had a failed seal within the pump assy. that caused oil rich startup.Hope your engine didn't suffer any damage as a result.Curious as to whether you ever had an alarm from the vro sensor.If your VRO oil reservoir is within an enclosed console you could omit the check valve along with the small splash cap that is tabbed onto the tank cap.It's designed that way to allow the reservoir to be used above deck and in wet area of boat to prevent water intrusion.

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: VRO Oil tank vent stuck......

Thanks for your response OB.I'am sorry to hear you had trouble as well.I'am hoping that is all it was and will have to test it out later.There was no alarm/light sounding.My oil tank is mounted in the transom splash well,exposed.Never had a problem with the oil side until today.<br />I have a theory on the oil tank I hope you or someone else can back me up .Theory: Pressure built up in the tank(from solar heating or high pressure(weather))which in turn raised the oil pressure to the VRO pump causing an oil seal blow-by situation.What do you all think?

 

[ob]

Re: VRO Oil tank vent stuck......

That's the exact theory that prompted the inspection and finally the removal of the check valve in mine.In my case it did not allieviate the issue of overoiling on initial startup.BTW,my reservoir was located within an enclosed center console.I'm using the same VRO pump as a 50:1 pumper and have had trouble free operation for over a year.Before disabling it ,I had no problem except for the annoying overoiling issue which eventually took around 5 minutes of running to clear.<br /><br />How much oil was yours consuming in relation to fuel consumption while you were experiencing the smoking situation?

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: VRO Oil tank vent stuck......

Well,thats hard to say.Maybe half an inch in the oil tank.I have not run it long enough to determine oil usage.In fact,I have had only 1 short fishing trip the whole season.Work schedule,family,and weather have put a damper on so far.Gas dock prices hear this summer where in orbit(2.69 gal around Labor Day).85 gals. fills it.<br />What tipped me off originally,I had dis-connected the fuel line from the motor and found oil in the fuel line almost to the primer bulb....I'am using Mercury Quicksilver oil...<br />(I replaced the fuel line assembly too )