Bypass oil injection 2000 90ELPTO

[Captain Bravo]

Hi guys. I just got a 2000 90hp ELPTO to replace a 1973 50hp Johnson on my pontoon. I've been running older boats for 20 years and had several motors, but this is the first one I have had with oil injection. Bottom line, I'm just uncomfortable with it. Maybe because I've had so many problems with boat motors over the years.

In any case, I've read a lot about people debating IF it should be done, but nothing on how to do it. Can anyone give me what I need to do to bypass this system?

Thanks guys.
CB

 

[halsteadmorris]

I have a 1996 40 ELPTO and have also deleted the oiler (for similar reasons).

The oiler was deleted before I bought the motor, but I have personally deleted several others. The short answer of “how” to do it:

Plug any line that goes into the tank with whatever seems appropriate. I have had good luck simply shoving a SS bolt into the line and using a hose clamp. Fuel/Oil safe silicone plugs work too. Make sure they are clamped tight to avoid any air leakage. You do not want poorly/unplugged hoses, etc introducing excess air.

You may need to bypass low oil, low flow, etc sensors if you get any alarms.

 

[airshot]

OMC oil injection systems have had issues and I would not trust them. But the Merc units have been very reliable from my research. A friend is a retired marine mechanic, says he doesn't remember a Merc injection system failing unless abused. My 1992 injector systems all original and works great. Idles all day without fouling plugs...mine has also been well maintained...

 

[Texasmark]

I had a 2002 90 and felt as you do. From a running engine using the OEM oiling system (including with oil in the tank) I did the following:
1. Got a good "pre-mix concentration in the fuel tank and ran that mix for a few minutes prior to the "operation".
2. The oil pump is on the Port side near the front of the engine. Recalling 3 or 4 screws to hold it in place and a pair of hoses, maybe 3, I forget.
3. Unscrew the pump attaching screws and start to pull it out....I think I had one hose I had to temporarily remove to accomplish that....which I put back after the pump was reattached to the engine block.
4. Rotate the pump exposing the drive gear. Pull it out and ensure that if there is a washer involved get it out too. On my engine the gear was (seemed to be) an integral part of the shaft upon which it rides. One assembly or two, get it all out.
5. Reinstall the pump and reconnect the hose you removed to get the pump out......I left the oil in my tank and that worked ok.....it just sat there.
6. Adjacent to where you fill your fuel tank(s), write the following: PRE-MIX ONLY!
7.Enjoy the fact that you have eliminated one of your concerns!!!!!! Whether you needed to do it or not....it's YOUR engine and any worries are/were YOURS! I used my rig for several years before I donated it to the local Lake Fire Rescue department since they had to borrow a boat every time they had a lake emergency. Never had a problem with the engine.

 

[dingbat]

OMC oil injection systems have had issues and I would not trust them.

Very, very old news.
The problematic OMC VRO system was replaced in 1986 with the current version.

Very reliable...been using mine since 1997