'01 Johnson 50, bypass VRO or not?

[fishmen111]

I am picking up an almost new 2001 Johnson 50 this weekend and am considering bypassing the VRO in favor of mixing to prolong its life. I just opened up a 1997 Evinrude (with VRO) that trashed a rod bearing with no signs of overheating. Please advise. Thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: '01 Johnson 50, bypass VRO or not?

I'll bet it wasn't the VRO that was to blame! Why? Because the VRO is not cylinder-specific. It cannot pick any one cylinder to destroy. More than likely it was a carb issue that destroyed that cylinder because the carb IS cylinder-specific. The system is reliable and all it needs is a little bit of attention as does anything else on motor. Clean the tank annually, replace the filter sock, and keep an eye on the oil level after each use to make sure the system delivering oil at the proper rate. This is very simple to do. Mark the oil level using masking tape. After a period of use (say a weekend) when you fill the tank, keep track of how much fuel it took to refill. For each six gallons add a pint of oil to the tank. If that doesn't bring the level back to where you started (or reasonably close to it) there is probably cause for concern.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: '01 Johnson 50, bypass VRO or not?

Thanks Silvertip. A carb could take out a rod bearing? Piston, wrist pin and bore are fine.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: '01 Johnson 50, bypass VRO or not?

Some interesting reading for you, as well check out the FAQ

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

 

[fishmen111]

Re: '01 Johnson 50, bypass VRO or not?

Thanks HighTrim. The "continuouswave" article was excellent and answered my main question. I did a search for vro, oil injection, carb adj. and rod bearings on this site and did not come up with much in regards to my trashed bearing. I'm sure it's here...I'll check again later. Got to go work the night shift now.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: '01 Johnson 50, bypass VRO or not?

Remember, the oil pump on neither a 2001 or the 1997 motor is not a VRO. As for the rod bearing failure, it was most likely just that - a rod bearing failure. Sometimes folks like to call it a "spun" bearing but in fact the issue was that it quit spinning, then heated up then welded itself up or shattered. A couple of things can contribute to that but since you aren't using that motor it's kind of a moot point.

As the guys mentioned, you look after the oil supply and it'll be just fine.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: '01 Johnson 50, bypass VRO or not?

That explains the rest. I did not realize that a needle/cage bearing could be "spun". I think that also answers where my needles went..nowhere. They melted into the cage which explains the very odd pieces I removed. The rod does show discoloration on the big end. My factory manual states that I have a Variable Ratio Oil pump on both models. This is not so? What do I have? Thanks alot Dhadley.

 

[ezeke]

Re: '01 Johnson 50, bypass VRO or not?

Regardless of the terms in your factory manual, the last time that you will find VRO listed in the parts manual for a Johnson 50HP is 1992.