How do you test a VRO warning system

[Salty Sal]

When I rebuilt my 140 85 VRO this past summer, I had my mechanic install the latest VRO system as a safeguard.<br />He showed my how to test the system for overheating/sensors (tan wire /key on/ ground wire to head)but never showed me the correct procedure to test that the VRO warning system is working. Could someone please explain this to me.<br />Thank you for yor reply.

 

[G DANE]

Re: How do you test a VRO warning system

Being no expert here at all, I know at least 2 things you can do:<br /><br />1. Before any test, hook motor up to an external gas tank, with 1:50 premix. Run it till you are sure straight gas in carbs is out and premix in.<br /><br />2. With motor running, slowly empty oil tank with a hose. When an 1" is left, the low oil warning should sound.<br /><br />3: Disconnect oil hose from motor, and start it running on premix. Within some time, the no oil warning will sound.<br /><br />I dont know any other tests, wait for someone elses advise too. <br /><br />After connecting hose again, mark oil level on oil tank, and run a couple of tanks of 1:50 premix through it, while you observe that correct oil consumption is present and all connections are tight. Recheck all clamps. Then go to straight gas again.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: How do you test a VRO warning system

Follow G Dane's advice, but disconnect the oil line at the pump and then run the motor. It will take a while to use up the residual oil in the VRO before the NO OIL alarm sounds. Use the factory clamps on the oil lines, no hose clamps or zip ties.<br /><br />There is an oil consumption test that is outlined in the later model factory service manuals, '98 and later I believe. You use a 1/4" clear line attached to the oil inlet fitting, and watch the oil pumping action while measuring the usage by the number of pulses per inch.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: How do you test a VRO warning system

Sal... You can test the VRO fail warning by having the engine running, then simply clamping the oil line shut with a pair of vice grips, pliers, whatever. The warning signal (every other second) should sound within sixty (60) seconds. Releasing the vice grips (whatever) and compressing the oil primer bulb (once) should return the VRO to normal (no horn sound).<br /><br />(VRO Horn Warnings)<br />(J. Reeves)<br /> <br />1 - A steady constant beep = Overheating - The V/6 engines, possibly some others, have a fuel restriction warning which is also a steady constant beep.<br /><br />2 - A beep every 20 seconds = oil level has dropped to 1/4 tank.<br /><br />3 - A beep every other second = VRO failure, air leak in oil line, oil restriction, (anything that would result in a lack of oil being supplied to the engine).<br /> <br />NOTE - The warning horn should beep once when the ignition key is turned to the ON position. If it does not, it is either faulty or someone has disconnected it (a stupid move!). At any rate, if it does not beep which indicates that the horn is functional, find out why and do not run the engine until the problem is corrected.

 

[Salty Sal]

Re: How do you test a VRO warning system

In response to Joe Reeves advice:<br />Your method sounds the easiest to perform but could having the engine running without any oil going through for even the shortest ammount of time damage pistons and cylinder walls?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: How do you test a VRO warning system

Sal..... At that point, and for a minute or so after the warning horn sounds, the fuel/oil mixture still exists within the engine carburetors and crankcase (C/Shaft, Brgs, Pistons, etc). The horn sounds due to a lack of the proper mixture at the VRO pump itself.<br /><br />Bottom line... no harm will befall your engine as per the test mentioned.

 

[DJ]

Re: How do you test a VRO warning system

Sal,<br /><br />I'll add that you will perform this test at idle.<br /><br />Your engine could run for a long time (at idle) with far less than a 50:1 mixture ratio.<br /><br />There is very little stress on engine parts at idle, no load.

 

[Salty Sal]

Re: How do you test a VRO warning system

Thanks,guys! Happy holiday season.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: How do you test a VRO warning system

Joe...Quick question, my 1999 Johnson 200 gives the steady constant alarm( not really a beep just a constant squeal) when the oil resovior gets down to 1/4 tank. The first time this happenend I thought it was the overheat alarm, but as soon as I added oil it went away, it has happenend 2 or 3 times and it is always the low oil warning. Could it be wired wrong or is this the proper low oil warning for this motor? Thanks.

 

[moderator1]

Re: How do you test a VRO warning system

mmcpeck, I suggest you start a new topic. It will get more attention.