Yet another VRO question......sigh

[emoney]

So, long story short, just picked up my latest "project" and she's fitted with a 1988 'Rude 130. PO claims he couldn't keep it running and was noticing fuel leaking around the "fuel pump", which we, of course, know is the VRO system. Granted, I just lugged this beast home last night in the dark and I still have to work during the day so I've had zero time to even look at it to confirm/deny leaking fuel. Having said all of that, I'm sitting here at lunch and doing lots and lots of reading about folks bypassing the VRO system, etc. The only reason I see to bypass, imho, is simply it's not as cost effective to spend $500.00 if folks have found a way to be successful spending a heck of alot less on a standard pump. Here, however, are my questions;

1) What am I looking for to determine if a "rebuild" kit with new seals and gaskets would solve the issue?
2) If it does turn out to be a bad VRO, am I correct where I read that you can order a fuel pump for a 1983 motor and it will work, but in a different location?
2a) What about the guy would took the bracket off his old VRO and used it to make a bracket for the basic fuel pump, is
that a better idea or more work than finding the '83 version?

I know those are pretty generic questions, and I'm sure by this upcoming weekend I could answer any you may have in return, but having been a member for so long around these parts, I know how smart a lot of you folks are, so why not go straight to the source! There's those of us that look pretty doing things and those that know what they're doing

 

[flyingscott]

You will need a 3 port pump. The 83 motor is a crossflow with the pump mounted to the cylinder. Your motor is a loop charged and does not have those mounting holes. You can use the 83 pump but you will need to tap out the pulse port on the back of the pump for an elbow.

 

[emoney]

Not to be a total goob, but what is that Pulse Port? And is there another year model standard pump that works on loopers?

 

[flyingscott]

Pulse port is where the VRO pump gets it pressure pulse from. Follow the line from the VRO pump to the block that is the pulse port. No they never made a non VRO looper motor but there is a replacement VRO premix only pump that is about 1/2 the price,

 

[SweetD]

Maybe you can find a better deal elsewhere, but I believe this is the type of pump you are looking for:

https://www.offshoremarineparts.com/62-13-024.html

 

[emoney]

Thanks a bunch for that link. Beats the socks off the $400+ price I've been finding for the VRO replacement. Out of curiosity, how do I know for certain that what's on there just doesn't need the rebuild kit with the diaphragm etc.? I think they're about the same price, so is the consensus; if you have to rebuild it, just replace it with the VRO bypass?

 

[SweetD]

Thanks a bunch for that link. Beats the socks off the $400+ price I've been finding for the VRO replacement. Out of curiosity, how do I know for certain that what's on there just doesn't need the rebuild kit with the diaphragm etc.? I think they're about the same price, so is the consensus; if you have to rebuild it, just replace it with the VRO bypass?

You'll get different opinions on that. I replaced my VRO assembly with one of those pumps and haven't looked back. It works fine.

I'd always pre-mixed my fuel/oil anyway (VRO oil side plugged from the start), and carry my fuel to the dock/boat, so I can pre-mix in the comfort of my own garage.

Decided to replace the VRO/fuel pump last year as a precaution while doing some fuel system troubleshooting. The new pump also frees up a bit more room under the cowling to get at other components.

 

[emoney]

You know, I've yet to own an outboard that I didn't have to "pre-mix" for one reason or another, so I definitely don't mind doing that. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for "improvement in technology", but I also see no reason to get stranded 10 miles off the coast because my oil pump stopped pumping, that's for sure. BTW, the engine isn't a 1988. I just noticed that in my OP. The boat is, but the motor is from the 90's I'm pretty sure. I don't recall Evinrude/Johnson even making a 130 in the 80s or before. Maybe they did. I'll check the numbers when I get home, if it ever stops raining.