Am I getting ripped off?

[jamessta]

Hi,<br />Last fall I had my 90hp johnson winterized by a local marina. Last week I tried to start it for my first trip this year. It wouldn't start. I took it back to the marina and they said the VRO oil pump had a back pressure leak and had to be replaced. They said this could happen over the winter and had nothing to do with winterizing. Does this sound reasonable, coensidence or am I being ripped-off?<br />What do you think?<br />Thanks

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Am I getting ripped off?

Welcome to iboats. <br /><br />I have run into a few facilities that will disconnect the fuel and run the motor until it runs out of gas. This empties the fuel system of gas, so it won't varnish up. But as the motor is starving for gas, it's still pumping full oil. This eventually fills the fuel lines and carbs with closer to a 1:50 mix than 50:1. A lot of oil injected motors I see each spring that won't start after winterizing have had this happen. Check into that before buying a VRO.

 

[jamessta]

Re: Am I getting ripped off?

You say you have run into a few facilities that will disconnect the fuel and run the motor until it runs out of gas. Is this NOT the correct way? What should they have done instead? <br />It appears I did get ripped off for a new VRO. I think I will have them give me my old one back and I will have it checked out to see.<br />Thanks

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Am I getting ripped off?

James, who did the work in St. Louis??

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Am I getting ripped off?

Willy is correct when stating that one should not disconnect the fuel hose and run the gasoline out of the engine, and for the exact reason he stated. The VRO pump is still operating and loading the engines fuel lines and carburetors with pure oil.<br /><br />The proper method is to simply turn the key off, then remove the lower side (or front) screw from the float chambers to drain the fuel out of the carburetors. The side or front screw simply depends on what type carburetor the engine has.<br /><br />You could also add a conditioner to the fuel to keep it stabilized, but I've always prefered to drain the carbs.

 

[jamessta]

Re: Am I getting ripped off?

rickdb1boat,<br />Brannans in Fenton.<br />Joe Reeves,<br />I always stabilize the gas in the built in tank and run it through the engine. <br />After getting these responses, I asked them if they ran the gas out of the engine and they said "no". They say they "fogged it" I have the old VRO and would like to get it checked out. Does anyone know an outfit that can do this.<br />I just don't believe in the coincidence of this VRO failing while just sitting there all winter.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Am I getting ripped off?

jamessta,<br />What do you think they did wrong that harmed your VRO Pump ? Generally winterizing involves stabilizing the fuel,running the motor and fogging the cylinders (ya,I know ... gear oil ... etc.)So if the carbs were a problem (stalling,needing rebuild) or the motor wouldn't turn over (seized)I could see your point.But normally winterizing doesn't involve work on the VRO.<br /><br />I have seen many things not work in the spring that worked fine in the fall.Electrical is probably #1,starting with bilge pumps and lights. As for motor issues #1 is probably water pump failure.We do see VRO problems,usually fuel leakage externally,and once in awhile over-oiling.But I can't find a way to connect this with what was done/not done in the fall.<br /><br />DHP

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Am I getting ripped off?

James<br /><br />Both myself and my Bro-in-law have been dealing with Brannons Marine exclusively for the last 10-12 years. I've never had any problems with them(Extremely helpful in fact) and my Bro-in-Law has had them lay up his Evinrude 48 for years with no problems. I hate to say it but you may be jumping the gun on this one. I'd have a hard time seeing those guys not do the right thing for your motor when winterizing it. Just have to believe it's a coincidence.....If you really want to have it checked out, take it over to Taylor Marine in Belleville, Il. They are also good folks who will help you out.... There are no other good reasonable Mechs. on this side of the river near us....

 

[jamessta]

Re: Am I getting ripped off?

Thanks Rick,<br />Don't get me wrong. I am not accusing Brannans, I am just trying to see if they are trust worthy. I wasn't even going to say that it was them that worked on my engine until I was asked.<br />You have made me relieved much of my doubts.<br />Thanks

 

[jamessta]

Re: Am I getting ripped off?

To DHPMARINE,<br />Being a novice, I am just trying to get my level of trust back in their service. I am not accusing anyone. I have mixed feelings now of the VRO. Is it or isn't it reliable. I have heard from some that they have disconnected it and others that don't. The one thing that Brannans didn't do that I wish they had, was to tell me the option of disconnecting the VRO instead of putting in a new one for $570. They didn't. Then I may have done my research before making my decision to have a new one put in.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Am I getting ripped off?

jamessta,I agree ! Everyone needs a shop they feel they can trust.I've been know to suggest to some of my customers they look elsewhere because of this.Second opinions are sometimes needed.<br /><br />I never gave it much thought,but I probably would explain the premix/fuel pump option.But,as a Dealer, I don't know as I would do the modifications.That would make me the "manufacturer" and therefore responsible for almost anything to ever happened to that motor.<br /><br />DHP

 

[HASKELL]

Re: Am I getting ripped off?

My VRO went out over the winter on my 140. So this does happen, but $570.00 does seem high. i bought an OEM pump and it was only $169 and mix my oil, but i could have bought the VRO for 280.00. takes less than 10 minutes to change.2 bolts 6 screws and 4 lines, 1 plug and your done. $300 in labor does seem high. just my opinion..