Old Boat... New Owner... VRO Question

[brettagostini]

Hi Everyone. My father passed away about seven years ago. His boat has been sitting ever since... winterized, but outdoors. I have very little knowledge of things mechanical, but I am trying to get it back in the water. My dad was very handy, but was something of a MacGuyver. Most of the boat has been retrofitted in one way or another, and he obviously did not label things or leave documentation.<br /><br />The boat, according to the registration, is a 1981 18' Starcraft. The motor is, according to the manual I found in the glove compartment, a 1978 Evinrude, 140Hp. <br /><br />I've lubed all the lube points per the manual, and the engine starts with the new battery I've put in. However, the boat has an OMC Economixer that may or may not be functioning. As the engine idles, I can see a little "poof" of oil enter the fuel line from time to time. However, how can I KNOW that I'm getting a 50:1 mix?? I've looked online and can find no documentation. Also, there is an alarm of some sort which, if I remember, is related to the VRO. It has two lights and an audible alarm which come on at initial startup for a few seconds, then go off. However, when the fuel is almost empty the alarms come on. <br /><br />Can anyone help me with this? What do the alarms signify, and how can I verify the VRO functioning? Or, should I just disconnect the VRO and mix manually?

 

[Specks n Reds]

Re: Old Boat... New Owner... VRO Question

 

[brettagostini]

Re: Old Boat... New Owner... VRO Question

Thanks... if it is working, can I be confident that it is working at the correct 50:1 ratio?

 

[Specks n Reds]

Re: Old Boat... New Owner... VRO Question

 

[brettagostini]

Re: Old Boat... New Owner... VRO Question

If I run off a portable tank, how is the VRO going to go down? I thought the gasoline traveled from the main tank, to the VRO where oil was added, then to the motor. If the motor is not drawing gasoline from the regular tank (and through the VRO), how will the VRO function? Or, do I misunderstand how this system functions? Someone else suggested basically the same thing, but said I should run 50:1 in my main tank. They didn't suggest a portable.<br /><br />There seems to be no oil line TO the VRO... the VRO unit is attached directly atop the oil reservoir... which holds, I'd guess, 4 to 5 gallons. Do you mean I should remove the VRO and check the line that actually drops down into the reservoir??<br /> <br />Also... do I need to replace the old oil? It looks OK... no evidence of clumping or sediment or anything. (It has been in this sealed unit for about seven years.) If I empty this oil out into a container... then clean out the oil reservoir, can the old oil still be used? Also, what would I use to clean out the oil reservoir? A little gasoline? If I empty it out and there is no evidence of sediment, do I need to clean it at all?<br /><br />Sorry for so many questions... but I'm clueless and don't want to screw anything up. Thanks for your patience!

 

[Specks n Reds]

Re: Old Boat... New Owner... VRO Question

 

[brettagostini]

Re: Old Boat... New Owner... VRO Question

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />I know there is one main line that brings fuel to the motor. (You know, the one with the bulb that you pump.)<br /><br />I haven't noticed another, but I'll check out the VRO lines this evening.<br /><br />Thanks again!!