disconnect vro pump advice

hibridge

Cadet
Joined
Aug 18, 2008
Messages
23
hi again,
I live in mexico and have decided to disconnect my vro pump on my 1999 johnson 250. my mexican mechanice says we can just disconnect the electrical feeds to the pump and leave the oil line connected. Then he says to drain the oil container but we can leave the oil feed line to the pump connected. any feedback on this, he is doing the work tomorrow or the next day.
He is also very doubtful that an air or fuel leak can be causing three times the normal oil consumption, he thinks the pump must be bad. I cannot find any significant leak in the system.

Thanks
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: disconnect vro pump advice

I'd suggest we find a mechanic who is familiar with Evinrude / Johnson motors. He obviously thinks the pump is electric which it is not. The wires are for the warning system only. The oil line does need to be disconnected and plugged at the pump as well as unplugging the wires.

If you have a newer 4 wire pump it may be over oiling because of a fuel restriction as well as an air leak. We'll assume he has not ran any tests on the pump to see what's really wrong.
 

Mark42

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: disconnect vro pump advice

If all is well with the pump the procedure is to disconnect the wire harness and plug the oil line a few inches from the pump. The existing gas in the pump and carb bowls should have oil in them from the VRO. So no draining is needed unless you suspect a problem in that area.

Then you are good to go.

If there are issues with how much fuel or how much oil is being pumped, then the problem should be identified first to ensure the fuel side of the pump will work as expected.
 

hibridge

Cadet
Joined
Aug 18, 2008
Messages
23
Re: disconnect vro pump advice

The mechanic has not ran any tests. I do have the manual and they talk about several tests but they seem somewhat complicted and the mechanic does not speak english. My spanish is pretty good but sometimes comes short when we get techinical.

He has explained to me the pump is mechanincal and not electrical. I believe the fuel side is oklay as my fuel consumption is in line with the historical average. I am still suspect of an air leak but cannot find it and have no problem mixing the oil with the gas so figure it is just better to do that.

I have read where you disconnect the oil line and cap it but I am curious why this is neccessary as the mechanci says he just leaves it connected. Most important of course is to prevent any power head damage, I would rather keep the oil line connected as then I don't have a line hanging loose and a potential problem if the plug were to come off.

I also understand that my oil sensors will no longer function? With pre mixed gas I should have no need for them, correct?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jim
 

Mark42

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: disconnect vro pump advice

.....

I have read where you disconnect the oil line and cap it but I am curious why this is neccessary as the mechanci says he just leaves it connected. .....

Jim

Because the pump will suck air through the oil line creating a shortage of fuel.
 

seahorse5

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
4,698
Re: disconnect vro pump advice

IF you suspect an air leak and do not find and fix it, your motor will get aerated fuel to the carbs and that can give a lean condition that damages pistons. When running lean, a piston does not care whether the oil is pre-mixed or if mixed in the VRO.

Your next post may be asking about how much are new pistons or rebuilt engine blocks shipped to Mexico.
 

hibridge

Cadet
Joined
Aug 18, 2008
Messages
23
Re: disconnect vro pump advice

ok, so i should be runnig a clear fuel line and checking for air bubbles in the fuel? and should I be re checking all fuel line connections also?If it is running lean how else can I tell, would the plugs upon inspection give me a sign?

Thanks
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: disconnect vro pump advice

I have read the whole post and the best thing to do here is find a different mechanic ?
 
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