1987 VRO rebuild question

[crowebar]

I have a 1987 225 Evinrude with original VRO pump. I have been reading many threads on VRO with many suggesting a premix alternative. I'm not opposed to it but have enjoyed the VRO system and am leaning toward rebuilding the pump as general maintenance. While I haven't had any trouble with it I get the feeling from reading these posts I'm on borrowed time given the age of my motor.

What is confusing to me is the rebuild kits seem to address the fuel pump side but not the oil pump. Wouldn't I want to do both? Is there a part number for a rebuild kit for both?

 

[flyingscott]

You cannot rebuild the oil side of the pump. If I was you I would replace the pump completely with the newer and much improved OMS pump. You have the old style pump which has reached the end of it's service life.

 

[crowebar]

Thanks Flyingscott,
I've continued to research (and dig into my 50+ memory) and I thought I remembered having the VRO replaced back in the mid 90's. After close inspection it looks like a newer model with 4 wires. Still, that was over 20 years ago and I think you are right, a new pump is cheap insurance! I think I'll replace all the fuel line and clamps while I'm at it.

I would have tried a rebuild but it looks like that isn't an option.

Thanks so much for responding. It is always nice to know that people like you are out there looking out for guys like me!

​(BTW, my dad had a Flyingscott back in the 60's when I was a kid. I loved that red and white boat)

DC

 

[flyingscott]

E-bay is about the cheapest you can find a new pump. I would also replace the tank sensor and clean the tank out.

 

[crowebar]

Thanks again, I'll do some hunting today. Do you know if all 4 wire pumps are the same. There are so many part numbers but it seems from what I've researched the 3 wire ones are the ones to stay away from.
I didn't think about the oil tank maintenance. Again, great advise and easy to do. Thanks again for the tips!!!!

 

[flyingscott]

Those part #s have been superseded so many times it makes it tough. Look up the pump # with your model #.

 

[crowebar]

Thanks, I guess my bigger question is how do I know which 4 wire pump would be the best? Are they all good? if so I can get the number off of my unit and go from there. I guess I was thinking the newest iteration of the unit would be best but will it work for my motor. Again, my 1987 DOES have a 4 wire pump on it now but it originally came with a 3 wire pump and was upgraded.

 

[flyingscott]

5007423 this is the last part # for the vro on a 1987 225 hp. That will be a direct replacement for what you have. Shop around for prices they are not cheap.

 

[dingbat]

I would also replace the tank sensor and clean the tank out.

Wouldn't bother doing either. A 1987 long over due to be replaced for permeation issues. I've replaced three for such issues.

People think the oil build up around the tank is normal, when in fact, it's actually permeating thru the plastic tank. Change out the tank and the issue mysteriously away.

You can find complete tank kits on ebay. I swapped my 1.8 for a 3 gallon tank last Spring. Complete NIB kit, (tank, oil lines and sensor) was under $130.

 

[crowebar]

Thanks for the great information! I've read about checking the tank for water and servicing the tank but wasn't aware of the permeation. I thought it had more to do with me spilling from time to time!!! Will definitely look for tanks while I'm shopping for the VRO. Thanks again Flyingscott. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out!