1997 225 Johnson Ocean Runner

pafisher1234

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 4, 2008
Messages
46
I am considering purchasing a 1997 225 Johnson Ocean Runner for 1875 and I am curious of common problems or problems I could run into.....also what I should look for ?
 

jonesg

Admiral
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,198
Re: 1997 225 Johnson Ocean Runner

I'd want a compression test, check lower gear box for water, test run.
a service history would be nice.
 

plakos

Cadet
Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Messages
14
Re: 1997 225 Johnson Ocean Runner

Too much money, try like 12 grand rebuilt fresh. I have 4 of them and that is really all they are worth!!
 

plakos

Cadet
Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Messages
14
Re: 1997 225 Johnson Ocean Runner

Also V.R.O. pumps go like crazy and it's mostly not the diaphrams. It's the damn chip so you can't even rebuild them. Other than that it's a great motor. If you are serious. I might get rid of one of mine because I want to switch to E-tech. I have one sitting that has a rebuilt powerhead.
Alex
 

pafisher1234

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 4, 2008
Messages
46
Re: 1997 225 Johnson Ocean Runner

Im still unsure if I want to buy the motor. It's for a boat Im considering buying that has a 200 suzuki that he said the drive shaft snapped and needs a new lower unit. I may just rebuild that.
 

jonesg

Admiral
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,198
Re: 1997 225 Johnson Ocean Runner

Im still unsure if I want to buy the motor. It's for a boat Im considering buying that has a 200 suzuki that he said the drive shaft snapped and needs a new lower unit. I may just rebuild that.

That zuki would probably be the cheapest way to go.
At least the way I'd fix it, find a used lower on craigslist.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: 1997 225 Johnson Ocean Runner

FYI - a 1997 225 did not come with a VRO system. It does have oil injection but it's not the old VRO system.
 

plakos

Cadet
Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Messages
14
Re: 1997 225 Johnson Ocean Runner

FYI - a 1997 225 did not come with a VRO system. It does have oil injection but it's not the old VRO system.

I don't understand... The 96-97' 225's do have the standard V.R.O pump, what do you mean not the old vro system. Which is called something else. It has 2 diaphrams that work with vaccum, for the fuel and oil and a chip for the mixture and a pulse limiter for the oil.
 

plakos

Cadet
Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Messages
14
Re: 1997 225 Johnson Ocean Runner

Also depending on the damage, I would fix the 200 unless it's a 4 stroke 200hp. I wouldn't go near 4 stroke outboards. Johnson has the E-Tec that is lighter, faster and cleaner than any 4 stroke.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: 1997 225 Johnson Ocean Runner

The 97's have the OMS sysytem which is different although they look similar. The OMS pumps are a basicially constant ratio pump and have much better alarm systems. Seen several cases where someone calls an OMS pump a VRO and ends up with the wrong parts or info.
 

plakos

Cadet
Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Messages
14
Re: 1997 225 Johnson Ocean Runner

The 97's have the OMS sysytem which is different although they look similar. The OMS pumps are a basicially constant ratio pump and have much better alarm systems. Seen several cases where someone calls an OMS pump a VRO and ends up with the wrong parts or info.

Please tell me why the part number and box referes it as a V.R.O.pump, not an OMS pump???
I want to get to the bottom of this. Also the johnson manual calls it a VRO pump!!!
 
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