VRO vs disconnecting and mixing gas

[borz170]

I have a friend who just bought a "new" boat and has requested my assistance. Forgive me, because I haven't seen this boat yet and consequently, I don't have many specifics. The boat is a 1989 19' Bayliner Certer Console with a 150 HP Johnson V6. I am pretty well versed with outboards and I know how to resurect a boat/motor that has sat for a while, however I would like some opinions about VRO.

I have heard many people say that you should disconnect the VRO and mix the gas. What do you guys think? If you do this, is it as simple as it sounds, whereas you only have to disconnect the VRO pigtail then mix trhe gas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jonesg]

Re: VRO vs disconnecting and mixing gas

I was about to disconnect mine but the mechanic told me its got a new VRO pump already installed so I kept the injection.

If the oil pump dies I will switch over to premix due to the very high price of the VRO pumps vs straight gas pump.
If the oil alarm works , I don't see any problem using it.
Its a preference thing.

 

[kjdunne]

Re: VRO vs disconnecting and mixing gas

If the engine is 1989, it's a VRO2 system, an improved version of the original VRO. Not repairable. If it's working, there is no good reason to disconnect it. As stated, check to make sure the alarms are working. It's a good system. If you do decide to go to pre-mix, remove the oil line to the pump, plug the pump's oil inlet, and unplug the pigtail from the pump. Simple.

Use 50:1 gas/oil mix.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: VRO vs disconnecting and mixing gas

Nothing at all wrong with the VRO when it is working well. I changed to premix in July when my pump failed due to price and availability.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: VRO vs disconnecting and mixing gas

Even if the motor is a 1989 the pump has probably been upgraded to a newer version, maybe even the OMS pump. I wouldn't have an outboard without oil injection.

With oil injection you at least have alarms when there is low oil or no oil. There are no alarms with premix. The constant did-I-remember and did-I-do-it-right nagging in the back of your mind but no real alarms. Well, there is always the sound of the motor locking up but that's more of an after-the-fact alarm.