1985 V6 Outboard Fuel Pumps

[elpasomedic]

I'm converting VRO to mechanical fuel pumps. I have a book that says the part numbers are 393870 and 393868. I can't find the 393868 fuel pump. Does anybody know if I can use two of the 393870 or is there a pressure factor that must be considered. Does anyone know what other part numbers I can use? Thank you.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1985 V6 Outboard Fuel Pumps

Instead of using two fuel pumps, BRP has a replacement pump that you can use when going from "VRO" to premix. You'll pay about $50 or so more for it but then you won't have to worry about changing all the plumbing and such and the pump will give you the fuel delivery needed. The pump is half a "VRO" style fuel pump....only uses the gas side. It will fit right in where the existing "VRO" pump sets and plumbs up the same way as the "VRO" pump does but without the oil.

PN is 438402 for the kit. Depending on the hp of the engine, buying two "regular" pumps will cost you about $117 to $128. The replacement pump runs around $175 but, again, without all the headaches that will go along with two pump.

EDIT: Just kicking some numbers around...looks like your engine is a 175? If so, the upper pump PN would be 438559 (about $55) and the lower pump PN 393870 (about $75)

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 1985 V6 Outboard Fuel Pumps

Why change now? It's obviously been working just fine for the past TWENTY TWO YEARS. The ones that failed typically failed in the first year. Jeez! People were on the outboard companies backsides for years to get oil injection. Then they get it and can't take it off fast enough. I just don't get it.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1985 V6 Outboard Fuel Pumps

True enough WillyB. Course the existing pump may have gone south (he really did'nt say) and replacing it with a new one may not be a finacial option. Those bad boys have grown in price over the years...:% I like them myself and am very much pro OMS pump. But....to each his own.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 1985 V6 Outboard Fuel Pumps

Another consideration is how has your fuel been for the last two decades. The original VROs of about that year may not be alcohol resistant. Even if fuel has been alcohol-free so far, that isn't going to guarantee next year's gas. I'd still advise a new unit, but...

Force outboards had nice 50:1 stickers (37-818029 1). I think you can still get them. Get three. One for the motor by the fuel line, one for the deck by the fuel fill, and one for the dash.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1985 V6 Outboard Fuel Pumps

Just an FYI -- the oil / fuel type pump (or the one without the oil side) will pump more fuel than the older style pumps. IE - the pump you have will supply the carbs better than the 2 pumps you want to put on. Pistons depend on correct fuel / oil delivery to survive.

Basically you're removing newer technology and replacing it with older.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1985 V6 Outboard Fuel Pumps

And just another thought.....if the fuel end of the existing pump is still working, you can disconnect the oil end and alarm leads & just use the fuel end.

 

[elpasomedic]

Re: 1985 V6 Outboard Fuel Pumps

Admirals, first and foremost, thank you for your feedback. I was out of town and hadn't been able to respond, so my deepest apologies. The current VRO pump that is in the motor (175 hp) has indeed gone south. Not even the fuel side of it works (I had already disconnected the oil side [plugged it] and the alarms). When I spoke to the marine mechanic (50+ years experience) and 200 miles from my home, he suggested going mechanical. That is why I wrote in this forum to get an expert second opinion. Now, OBJ suggested 438402, will this pump supply the needed fuel pressure to all three carbs without being hard on the pistons?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1985 V6 Outboard Fuel Pumps

The 438402 pump has more than enough capability to supply the motor. And more than 2 of those old pumps. An excellent choice. Although if it were mine, I'd use the OMS pump for the oil injection. But that's just me.

 

[elpasomedic]

Re: 1985 V6 Outboard Fuel Pumps

Thank you for the input, I will instal that pump and report back.