1998 Jonhson VRO disconnect/reconfigure help

[CLAMJACK61]

Hi. New member here, I THOUGHT I posted this question earlier today...guess I forgot to hit SUBMIT after I PREVIEWED it

So...here is my situation; I purchased a 1998 Johnson 60 H.P and am in the process of removing the VRO. I am installing an older style fuel pump, like off a 1977 Evinrude 70 H.P. I am using the mounting hardware & everything bolts right up.

I have three or four of these old style pumps, as well as a few rebuild kits for them. It makes sense for me to install one. Also, I like having more open space under the cowl.

My questions are;
1. When I connect the pulse hose to this older style pump, will the PULSE LIMITER cause any operational issues? If so, can I remove the limiter & connect direct?

2.When disconnecting a VRO, most everyone leaves the unit on & use the fuel pump side of the unit. They simply plug the oil line & clip a wire (Purple?) leaving the oil pump harness plugged in to the main harness. I have totally removed it, so I have an open connector on the powerhead. I intend to cap & tape it off. Will this cause any operational issues?

If so, can I do one of the following; Cut the connector from the oil pump, plug it back in & seal each individual wire? Or, remove the oil module & plug it in, clip the purple wire, and then strap the little module off to the side.

I am also replacing all the original fuel hose with new. I went through all three carbs, all were spotless, like new.The bottom carb's float appeared saturated with oil, so I used one from a NAPA kit from the 1977 Evinrude, seems exact...is it compatible with ethanol? Are the original components in this 1998 motor also ethanol compatible, or must I upgrade?

The motor had a blown gearcase, which I replaced & also installed a new water pump, complete housing , impeller, etc. Is there ANYTHING I should be aware of on the 1998 60 H.P. " Any quirks?

Finally;

I plan to run a fuel/oil ratio of about 75:1 for normal operation, and for trolling, a separate 3 gallon tank with 100:1 to reduce smoking & fouling. Does this sound like a good course of action? Any advice, help, opinions, all are encouraged and ALL are WELCOME! thank you!!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1998 Jonhson VRO disconnect/reconfigure help

Question 1 - Leave the pulse limiter inline or remove it. It makes no diffrence.

Question 2 and associated paragraphs - See the following taken from my database.

Fuel mixture statement -DO NOT even think of running a 100/1 mixture. Use the recommended 50/1 mixture for proper engine lubrication.

(VRO Pump Conversion To Straight Fuel Pump)
(J. Reeves)

You can convert the VRO pump into a straight fuel pump, eliminating the oil tank and VRO pump warning system, but retain the overheat warning setup (and fuel restriction warning if so equipped) by doing the following:

1 - Cut and plug the oil line at the engine so that the oil side of the VRO pump will not draw air into its system. Trace the wires from the back of the VRO to its rubber plug (electrical plug) and disconnect it.

2 - Trace the two wires from the oil tank to the engine, disconnect those two wires, then remove them and the oil tank.

3 - Mix the 50/1 oil in the proper amount with whatever quantity fuel you have. Disconnect the fuel line at the engine. Pump the fuel primer bulb until fuel exits that hose with the tint of whatever oil you used. Reconnect the fuel hose.

That's it. If you want to test the heat warning system to ease your mind, have the key in the on position, then ground out the tan heat sensor wire that you'll find protruding from the cylinder head. The warning horn should sound off.

Thousands of parts in my remaining stock. Not able to list them all. Let me know what you need and I'll look it up for you. Visit my eBay store at:

http://stores.ebay.com/Evinrude-Johnson-Outboard-Parts-etc?refid=store

 

[CLAMJACK61]

Re: 1998 Jonhson VRO disconnect/reconfigure help

Question 1 - Leave the pulse limiter inline or remove it. It makes no diffrence.

Question 2 and associated paragraphs - See the following taken from my database.

Fuel mixture statement -DO NOT even think of running a 100/1 mixture. Use the recommended 50/1 mixture for proper engine lubrication.

(VRO Pump Conversion To Straight Fuel Pump)
(J. Reeves)

You can convert the VRO pump into a straight fuel pump, eliminating the oil tank and VRO pump warning system, but retain the overheat warning setup (and fuel restriction warning if so equipped) by doing the following:

1 - Cut and plug the oil line at the engine so that the oil side of the VRO pump will not draw air into its system. Trace the wires from the back of the VRO to its rubber plug (electrical plug) and disconnect it.

2 - Trace the two wires from the oil tank to the engine, disconnect those two wires, then remove them and the oil tank.

3 - Mix the 50/1 oil in the proper amount with whatever quantity fuel you have. Disconnect the fuel line at the engine. Pump the fuel primer bulb until fuel exits that hose with the tint of whatever oil you used. Reconnect the fuel hose.

That's it. If you want to test the heat warning system to ease your mind, have the key in the on position, then ground out the tan heat sensor wire that you'll find protruding from the cylinder head. The warning horn should sound off.

Thousands of parts in my remaining stock. Not able to list them all. Let me know what you need and I'll look it up for you. Visit my eBay store at:

http://stores.ebay.com/Evinrude-Johnson-Outboard-Parts-etc?refid=store

THANKS! for the fast reply, Joe. I understand your instructions to disconnect the VRO & still use the factory pump...but, I am REMOVING the whole unit and installing an OLD STYLE fuel pump such as found on a 1977-78 70 H.P Because I have quite a few of them around & I don't like that bulky VRO style fuel pump taking up all that space under the cowl.

As for the main fuel connector, instead of plugging the oil intake nozzle, I am removing it and installing the older fuel connector from before there was ever VRO. That solves THAT issue. I hear you about the 50:1, but, was told by the local dealer that the VRO ran an average ratio of 60:1 to 75:1 at mid & full throttle, and around 100:1 at idle & trolling speeds. So, even if I run 50:1 all the time EXCEPT LOW speed trolling (under 1200 RPM you're suggesting it is not wise to run 100:1 for that? I'm not doubting you at all, just trying to get full clarification.

I do know that when they tried 100:1 all the time, the motors would lock up during storage, etc. I would NEVER consider running 100:1 at anything other than trolling speeds. So...what do you think about my conversion to the old style fuel pump? The motor should still operate as it should, as it's still basically just a three cylinder 60 H.P. two stroke loop charged outboard, just like the 1977 Evinrude the fuel pump was removed from...yes?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1998 Jonhson VRO disconnect/reconfigure help

I understood your conversion plans to use the old style fuel pump and knew that you would simply work around the instructions I listed. Many boaters have gone that route to get rid of that big black plastic pump altogether and install the old type smaller pump...... no problem, works great.

The 100/1 mixture? Many a powerhead I've rebuilt due to that goof. I'm sure that others will jump in here with some comments on that mixture.

 

[CLAMJACK61]

Re: 1998 Jonhson VRO disconnect/reconfigure help

I understood your conversion plans to use the old style fuel pump and knew that you would simply work around the instructions I listed. Many boaters have gone that route to get rid of that big black plastic pump altogether and install the old type smaller pump...... no problem, works great.

The 100/1 mixture? Many a powerhead I've rebuilt due to that goof. I'm sure that others will jump in here with some comments on that mixture.

Ah, Got it! Yes, per your instructions everything is working great! Thanks so much! I'll go with your expertise and forgo 100:1 then, and stick with 50:1