Evinrude VRO questions

[rambofish]

Hello all! I recently received a 16' Lowe boat from my grandfathers estate. It has a 1989 40HP Evinrude VRO on it. I've been reading the forums here and some of you have suggested that when they reach 10 years old, to disconnect the VRO unit and start manually mixing. However, I seriously doubt that this engine has more than 250 hours on it. He didn't use it that much before he got sick, and since he passed away, it's been in his garage for the last 3 years.<br /><br />So my question is this: can I trust the alarms to work and tell me when the VRO is having problems, or should I just go ahead and disconnect the VRO? <br /><br />Thanks for the input.

 

[Duck Loads]

Re: Evinrude VRO questions

I just bought a 1989 GT150 VRO and have faced the same decision about the oil injection. I priced out all new parts (pump and tank) and had to think about it. <br /><br />I was told that the updated VRO-2 system was not even a Variable Ratio Oiling system. It mixes the oil at a straight 50:1 ratio. So, I could have spent a small fortune replacing the oil injection system (for my peace of mind) and still wound up with a 50:1 fuelil ratio. <br /><br />I'm now a mixer again. No worries. I don't trust 14 year old buzzers that tell you that you just melted a piston.<br /><br />Good luck on your decision.<br />D. L.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Evinrude VRO questions

I agree with Duck. Go to the pre-mix. You can use the existing fuel pump with no problem. Only takes about 10 Minutes to disconnect it. Do a search on "VRO" on this page for more info. If you decide to disconnect it or use it, post back for more info on what to do before you run it.

 

[martyscher]

Re: Evinrude VRO questions

rambofish,<br /><br />I get a "premix happy" feeling from this forum concerning, VRO. <br /><br />Sure, it guarantees oil mixture, but it may not be really necessary, espcially if your are not experiencing problems, which may require VRO replacement. <br /><br />Some things I have seen on this and other forums:<br /><br />1. Since the VRO also pumps fuel, if it fails, there may be no problem, since there will be no fuel to burn up the engine. VROs tend to over-oil, verses under-oil.<br /><br />2. Some pro mechanics state that many major problems are blamed on VRO failure, when it may not be the case.<br /><br />3. People worry about adaquate oiling, since the VRO does not seem to use much oil. Since it is "vairable", you would not be using as much oil total, as pre-mix.<br /><br />4. 10-15 year old motors VRO will fail. Probably thousands and thousands still in use with no problems.<br /><br />If it was mine, i'd leave it as is. If it did fail and I had to replace it, I'd then convert to pre-mix.<br /><br />Here is a discussion in aonthero forum:<br /><br /> http://www.continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000814.html <br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Marty

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Evinrude VRO questions

Marty makes some good points about VRO, but I still disagree about keeping it on a 14 year old motor. You have to realize that not only is the motor 14 years young, but it has also sat for a few years. This does nasty things to engine components. Seals dry out, fuel lines dry rot and so do oil lines. The only way I would continue to use it, was if the pump were replaced, the lines were replaced(All of them) and the tank and screen cleaned out real well. I would also be sure the Motor was operating up to snuff as far as compression and carburation, as this system relies on internal pulses to perform properly. Contrary to popular opinion, a VRO will fail on the oil side and continue running until it blows. There's no way you're gonna shut it down at full throttle quick enough to avoid damage when the horn goes off. I know this firsthand. I bought a totally just rebuilt(Dealer)'91 Evinrude 70 HP, but the idiots didn't service or for that matter, check the VRO. 2 weeks later running at full out, sounded like the guts were coming out of it. Horn went off and I shut it down as fast as I could get to the key. Every cylinder was scored. Good thing I had the Warranty. They rebuilt it again and this time they replaced every VRO component. I asked at this time about disconnecting it and pre-mixing, but oddly enough they would not Warranty it if it was disconnected. That was some time ago and I got rid of the VRO after the Warranty period was up. No problem since. It's true that most of the time it's lack of VRO maintenence that causes the problems. No doubt about that. But they do fail all by themselves. The newer pumps oil at a constant 50:1 ratio, so there is no longer an advantage to "VRO" over pre-mix as far as economy. Been boating for years and always pre-mixed. Never had but one powerhead failure. The one with V R O! Go figure!

 

[Trent]

Re: Evinrude VRO questions

Ditto what Rick said! Mix no worries. Old VRO...Its your money.

 

[marty_scher]

Re: Evinrude VRO questions

rambofish<br /><br />If you think you may want to keep the VRO, but are not sure that it is functioning, just note the reservoir oil level and run a tank of premix.<br /><br />If the level drops, it is probably ok.<br /><br />Marty

 

[DJ]

Re: Evinrude VRO questions

rambofish,<br /><br />I would have no worries about an older VRO system if:<br /><br />1. You clean out the VRO tank and replace the the filter sock.<br /><br />2. Replace the lines and/or make sure they are in good condition, including tight connections.<br /><br />3. Ground the lead from the VRO system to make sure the warning system is working.<br /><br />It was said before, if the VRO system fails, the engine stops running.<br /><br />Editorial: <br /><br />If you do not trust modern systems, go out and rip off the fuel injection/electronic ignition of your modern car/truck and replace it with a carburetor/points which will keep you miserable forever.

 

[rambofish]

Re: Evinrude VRO questions

Hey guys! Thanks for the input. I can appreciate both sides of the argument. But I'm leaning towards keeping the system....for now. I do plan on cleaning / replacing the worn (suspected worn) hoses, filters, etc., and ensuring that the warning systems are functional. I know some people have a problem with it, but I think I'll put my trust in the engineers hands on this one. I tend to believe that if a system is well maintained and serviced properly, they (usually) work as advertised. However, should the system show any signs of failing/not working correctly, I will convert it over to a pre-mix system. Again, thanks for the input. I really DO appreciate all the comments. <br />Bill

 

[whofan]

Re: Evinrude VRO questions

Ive never had a engine without a vro. I had a VRO go out on a 50 hp Johnston, I now own a 2000 70 hp Johnston. The fuel side went out on the the 50 ,replaced under warrenty. The 50 was a little small so I traded up to a 70. I would stick with a vro with a built in fuel tank. With 6 gallon portable tanks disconect it. Reason being is burn a little fuel add a little fuel, how do you know what the mixture is after a while? with the small tanks you just run them out you know then. S**t rigging is a easy fix,but is it the right one? I have yet to hear a mechanic endorse disconecting the VRO. For conveniance sake I like mine. If I can get 10 years service out of it, at that time Id gladly replace it. My 2 cents