1986 Evinrude XP-150 questions

[MASTER Brian]

I have a few questions about this motor, being as I'm new to it.<br /><br />1st, the VRO on my engine seems to be working, but I've always pre-mixed in the past. I've done some searching here on the VRO's and asked a few dealers. I'm the 3rd owner of this boat and it appears it's been kept up, except a few wire have been chewed threw by mice/rats. The VRO wire was one I found last night and repaired. I plan on testing the siren out tonight if I can remember what I was told about how to test it.<br /><br />I guess my question is should I leave the system alone or pre-mix? I know I'm going to get both sides, but would like to be able to weigh the pros and cons out, as well as hear experiences... One dealer told me leave, one said pre-mix. I read an article somewhere saying these are very reliable. Is there something I can convert to that is more reliable? I don't mind pre-mixing, but sometimes it is a hassle to remember.<br /><br />My 2nd question is about the reverse linkage. When I go from idle to reverse sometimes I get a grinding sound, how do I adjust the linkage on this motor to eliminate that? I know lots of boats do this, but I can't believe this is good? Does it hurt anything??<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: 1986 Evinrude XP-150 questions

The VRO system is very reliable. There have bene some upgrades to it since 86, and they now use a 4 wire alarm system on it. You can always pre-mix the first tank of gas and then keep your eye on the VRO tank, just to see if the engine is using oil from it, then you'll know if it's working or not. But as long as you have your warning system working, you should have no problem. The VRO is there for a reason, because pre-mixing is a hassle, if it's in good shape and you have a good warning system, you'll be fine, I've never had one fail on me.

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: 1986 Evinrude XP-150 questions

Well, like I said the wire's from the oil tank were split in half, I found that last night and fixed them. I'll test the alarm tonight. A dealer told me to pull the engine cover and look at the top cylinder head on either side. I guess there should be a single wire going coming from a sensor near the plug and that I should pull that off and ground it while the key is on. Does that sound about right?<br /><br />I have only burned maybe 10 gallons of gas since getting this boat, but it does appear oil is being used as I filled it up and I think the oil level is down a bit from there.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: 1986 Evinrude XP-150 questions

No, that grinding sound is not good. That's very expensive gears in the lower unit grinding together. Lower units should clunk into gear, not grind.

 

[jimzpe]

Re: 1986 Evinrude XP-150 questions

I have the same motor on my Ranger. Had them both (371V & XP150) since they were new. Have not had any major issues with the XP and still use the VRO system. Within the last 6 months I've had to replace all the fuel lines due to leaks. Age, UV light and Ethanol took their toll. Nothing but happy with the Evinrude.

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: 1986 Evinrude XP-150 questions

Originally posted by waterinthefuel:<br /> No, that grinding sound is not good. That's very expensive gears in the lower unit grinding together. Lower units should clunk into gear, not grind.

Is it possible I'm not waiting long enough before putting it in Reverse? (i.e. RPM's are too high) or would it be a cable adjustment? <br /><br />Problem is my RPM's don't always register at lower speeds, so I can't easily look and see. Something else I'll look into as I had a few chewed up cables apparantly due to mice/rats.<br /><br />It doesn't always grind, normally it doesn't. I'm trying to pay attention to when it does it and when it doesn't, but I haven't had it out enough yet to come to a conclusion. <br /><br />Any suggestions?