VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

[MFG197]

I have an '89 90 hp Evinrude ELPTO with VRO. It has been running well, but sometimes when I slow to an idle or idle out of port it emits a no oil flow alarm. (1/2 sec every sec.) This doesn't happen very often but worries me. If I hit the primer bulb on the oil hose it stops and may not do it again for days.<br /><br />Also I recently visited a lake which had a huge no wake area. This caused me to start the motor and idle for about 10 min. 3 out of 10 times the motor would plane the boat then die within 50 yds of the buoys. I attempted to remedy the problem by opening the throttle in neutral to burn of any accumulated oil or gas then taking off. Could this have worked? Any suggestions? mfg197@aol.com

 

[jstromsk]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

I had a somewhat similar problem on an 87 Johnsomn 50HP with disasterous results. Boat ran fine a slow speed but wouldn't get up on plane or died. Turned out the warning buzzer was not operating and a lean running lower carb was causing the engine to overheat. I assume the "black box" was limiting RPM after several seconds. Ended up with a cylinder rebore, pidton and rings.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

The engine is running out of fuel, causing the engine to die. The VRO could be getting tired or you could have an air leak in the fuel system. Also, the intake of #4 cylinder drives the pump. If the compression is getting weak, the pump won't drive properly. With the engine idling at the dock, stick a long screw driver to the pump and put the handle to your ear. A slow steady thump is what you should hear. If you get a fast beat, you probably have an air leak. If you get an air leak on the fuel side, it will cause excessive oil consumption because the fuel and oil is pumped by the same shaft. As for the oil alarm, I'd also check for an air leak on those hoses also. If everything checks out, change the pump. I think they're running just over $200 now.

 

[MFG197]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

Thanks for the reply I will try that. I have noticed that I hear a rhythmic clicking sound from the aft side of the VRO pump. Is that the metering device? It seems louder than usual but maybe its because I never really payed attention.<br />I will check for air leaks, I did replace most of the hoses last year. I remeber replacing the pulse hose to the crankcase, but I don't remember seeing an arrestor, is that in the nipple on the block or is it a part of the hose?<br /><br />UPDATE took pulse hose off and noted that the arrestor is in the fitting that bolts into the powerhead.

 

[Diver Dave]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

rip out the VRO ! and fit a standard fuel pump and run on 50:1 premix<br />I had a similar problem on my evinrude 50 and it cost me a rebore and piston, very expensive in the UK

 

[ob]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

Do what diver dave says. scrap the vro and mix 50:1.I did the same on my 95 rude and smoky start-ups and rich oil symptoms are history

 

[Diver Dave]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

I also had a follow up problem with the rev limiter, caused by the temp switch,diode,or warning horn,if this happens disconect the tan wire to the power pack.<br />See my old posts or speak to Clanton.<br />good luck<br />Dave

 

[MFG197]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

Thanks everyone,<br /><br />I found a leaking fuel filter and a leaking oil line connection on the powerhead. I checked the oil tank pickup and it was clean. There is a slight leak from the primer bulb on the oil line so I will fix that. If none of this helps then i guess its a new pump...

 

[BruceW]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

My 1989 40 with VRO over heated when I first got it. First thing I did was to unhook that #@#@#@ whistle , since then I've run 50:1 gas /oil, with the VR0 still hooked up .I've put many hrs. on it in these 13yrs. and its NEVER had a problem.Except the manual assist does'nt assist anymore.

 

[DJ]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

For all you VRO haters, I hope you're out in the garage removing the fuel injection from your wifes car, she'll love you for that one. Now she can deal with a stubborn choke and have to "kick it off" before the catalytic convertor melts down and burns the garage down. While your at it, rip out the air conditioning and the automatic transmission.<br /><br />Anyway, I digress. There is NOTHING wrong with VRO. Problem is-noone maintains it!!<br /><br />Make sure the the tank is CLEAN. The pick up sock and tube are in good shape and ALL the fittings are tight and air leak free.<br /><br />The TRUE failure rates on VRO are miniscule. You can put VRO failures right up there with the oil pump in your car engine failing.

 

[ob]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

vro units on omc engines aren't even remotely similar to the fuel injection system on wifes car. If the only maintenance needed for omc vro pumps was to insure that there are no air leaks or dirty pick-ups in tanks then these units would not be in Question.The local coast guard boats don't even use them after warranty is up on their omc engines.HMMMMM As far the oil pumps on vehicles they are of a positive displacement gear design.Again , not remotely similar to diaphragm pumps which are prone to inevitable failure.And if mine does fail with 50:1 mix ,then OH WELL .If we make analogies then we need to compare oranges to oranges and so on...No hard feelings PS I don't hate inanimate objects.Just can't see spending 240.00 for a pip squeak pump that I can't get parts to rebuild oil half.If you're having good luck with yours I'm glad.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

OB,<br /><br />The "VRO", actually OMS, pumps for the last few years are completely rebuildable, including the oil section. Check out the parts and service manuals. Some new parts, like the fuel pump diaphragm backfit the older units.

 

[BillP]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

VRO may be reliable but not even close to mixing yourself...there are a lot of engines toasted from the auto lube systems going down. <br /><br />It should be noted that OMC did not equip their commercial line of outboards with VRO. The only reason was reliability.

 

[Philby]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

Well, just completed another season with my Evinrude 1990 70hp VRO.<br /><br />Every year I clean the tank to make sure there is no waterat the bottom and purge the line. First tank of the season I run pre-mix AND VRO to make sure I have no air in the system.<br /><br />I love that VRO !! <br /><br />No mixing, no problem.<br /><br />To many symptoms are put down to VRO. <br /><br />Long may it continue.

 

[ob]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

You love it so much that you don't trust its reliability and use pre-mix at beginning of season.?I don't understand where some people fail to see the logic in disconnecting vro on a unit that is riddled with failures.the systems failsafe design is non-existant.the no oil alarm is little more than a play toy.If this unit were on an automobile it would have been recalled years ago by the NHTSA .I liken its long term reliability to that of a 25lb bowling ball suspended over my head on 26 lb. test line.

 

[Philby]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

OB<br /><br />I run a premix for the first run not because I don,t trust the VRO, it's because I don't trust me ! Having cleaned the line I would hate to run air pocket through.<br /><br />With VRO I think it is like most things . The small percentage people who have a vro failure shout the loudest. Add this to the people who simply blame VRO for another failure , and you can hear the rumble from the States to England.People like me who have no problems, and who havn't for over a decade don't post.<br /><br />The net result is VRO gets a bad name . <br /><br />If anybody wants to disable the system and premix, thats fine. If I disabled mine I'd be more than likely to forget to add the oil !!

 

[Diver Dave]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

Philby,<br />You sound like an OMC dealer!<br />The only people I've heard speak out in favour of VRO and benefit from its failure!<br />The VRO on my evinrude 50 went down without any warning and seized the top piston, resulting in a £450 bill for pattern parts and rebore,£150 each for genuine OMC pistons,rip off!<br />Did the job myself and saved the £40 per hour labour charge as well.<br />At main dealer prices it would have been cheaper to buy a new engine.<br />So good luck with your VRO and I hope you can afford it when it lets you down<br />DD

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

WWYC na7,<br />If you don't have a fuel problem, just disconnect the "Oil" side of the pump and mix you own. You do not need to replace the pump, as long as the "fuel" pump side is working! See Link Below! <br /><br /> vro Removal

 

[MFG197]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

Well i took it out on lake erie yesterday put about 2 solid hours on it. no leaks, no alarm, no stall. knock on wood.<br /><br />i looked the motor over for possible conversion to premix and noted that there is a plug on the side of the powerhead grey, black, tan. i imagine that's the one to dc because they match the one on the vro sensor unit. just cap off the oil intake and that's it...i guess.<br /><br />i am running premix and vro for the first tank after the sevice and will decide what to do...that is the recommendation in the manual anyway. is the motor getting double oiled or does the vro inject less oil when premix is ran.<br /><br />still accepting advice.

 

[ob]

Re: VRO problem on '89 90hp Rude

It's getting double oiled