VRO 2 Validation.

[James R]

I have just completed the rebuild of a '93 150 Johnson and will be rebuilding a second soon, providing the block does not show water leaks. Those of you who know what I am refering to will know.
I am concerned about the reliability of the VRO2. The original VRO had major problems as you are aware. There was no evidence of lubrication failure on this first motor but I would appreciate some opinions before I go back on the oiling system. I must admit I am tempted to go 50:1.

 

[dingbat]

Re: VRO 2 Validation.

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VRO.html

 

[seahorse5]

Re: VRO 2 Validation.

Yep, 25 years ago, a quarter of a century, the original VRO had problems.

Since you are putting a rebuilt motor back into service, put on a new "VRO" - called an OMS - pump because it is built better and now is repairable in the field. You also get a 1 year parts and labor warranty with it which is probably longer and better than the rebuild warranty.

 

[ezeke]

Re: VRO 2 Validation.

Actually, the VRO2 was last installed on the 1992 models. You should have the OMS in 1993.

You can test the OMS system in the same manner as the VRO2, using the service manual charts. If you don't have it, go to Bill Kelly's site and scroll down the fuel pump charts to the downloads.

http://www.maxrules.com/fixomcvro.html

 

[James R]

Re: VRO 2 Validation.

Thanks guys for your very valuable input.
Thanks Ezeke for straightening me out on the pump type.
I do have a small concern about the pump type.
This motor was fitted with 1992 pistons. This caused confusion as 3 of the six bores were perfect and only required a light hone and new rings. Sorted that out.
It of course begs the question. Did they fit a VRO 2 or the newer OMS?
Is there anything I can use to identify which is which.

 

[ezeke]

Re: VRO 2 Validation.

The pump is strictly lifting and mixing gas and oil and has no bearing on the functions after the mix leaves the fuel pump to fill the float bowls. From that point, the vacuum created by the pistons determines the fuel and air pulled through your carburetors.

Just be sure that the pulse limiter is clean and functioning properly.

 

[James R]

Re: VRO 2 Validation.

Him ezeke.
Thanks for the response but I am not quite sure where you were going with your answer.
I just want to to determine whether OMC put the later version on this motor or did they do what they did with the pistons, put '92s in a 93 motor.
Are there any distinguishing features that will help to tell me which model pump I have?

 

[ezeke]

Re: VRO 2 Validation.

You said ".......I do have a small concern about the pump type.
This motor was fitted with 1992 pistons. This caused confusion as 3 of the six bores were perfect and only required a light hone and new rings. Sorted that out.
It of course begs the question. Did they fit a VRO 2 or the newer OMS?
Is there anything I can use to identify which is which."

Where I was going was to point that the engine's pistons have nothing to do with what pump was used. As pointed out in the link posted by dingbat,

"The VRO2? was introduced in 1986 and included a "NO OIL FLOW" alarm. Changes included an electronic circuit to compare the oil pulses with the engine's RPM, a better oil pump piston, alcohol resistant seals, and a brown fuel outlet for recognition. Unfortunately, the damage was done. Public perception fed by uneducated mechanics put the blame for almost every engine problem on the VRO. No matter what happened to a motor, someone would utter "...must be a bad VRO."

When you look at the parts diagrams for your specific motor you will note that each item has a part number and also that, unlike the 1992 model parts, the 1992 diagrams no longer use the Term VRO anywhere.

While someone could certainly have fitted a VRO2 pump, it is very highly doubtful that the 1993 motor came with one. OMC was doing everything possible to get that behind them.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: VRO 2 Validation.

It of course begs the question. Did they fit a VRO 2 or the newer OMS?
Is there anything I can use to identify which is which.

IF I remember correctly, the OMS version pump has a blue-grey fuel outlet fitting on it.

The latest pump design, the repairable one, has replaceable fuel fittings that have an oval shaped metal plate holding them on