Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

[spiersj]

I have a 1985 Johnson GT-150 with VRO. The motor quit on me while I was fishing. The motor would crank but not start. I have checked all fuel lines and they are clear. The motor will start after I prime with the primer bulb. It will quit when the carbs are empty. If I continue to prime, it will continue to run. I disconnected the fuel line going to the carbs from the top of the fuel/VRO pump. No fuel is coming out with the motor running. Fuel will come out when I prime. No horns going off. Does this mean my fuel/VRO pump is bad or could there be something else. Runs fine as long as I constantly prime.

 

[Bear]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

You just need a new fuel pump kit. <br /><br />/Bear

 

[JB]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

Howdy SpiersJ.<br /><br />Bear is right. BUT Your dealer may tell you that the VRO pump cannot be overhauled and must be replaced with a new VRO pump at a ridiculous price.<br /><br />Don't despair. Buy a non-VRO pump for a lot less bux and replace it. That pump is, I think, repairable. Then mix your own fuel (50:1)<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[spiersj]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

Thanks for the quick response. I didn't know there was a kit to overhaul the pump. I took the pump down and could not find any holes in the diaphrams but I will try a kit to see if it fixes the problem. Thanks again.<br /><br />spiersj

 

[kart33]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

Make sure the pulse line from the block isn't blocked or cracked, that could explain the diaphragm looking good and the pump not working. Also SOme have a check valve in this line that clogs.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

A plugged up pulse line or fitting can make a VRO act like it is bad. The latest version uses a blue pulse limiter between the block and the pump. Chances are your VRO has been replaced or updated over the years.<br /><br />Pumps with the fuel outlet fitting held in place with a steel oval retainer fastened with 2 Torx screws are rebuildable. If yours is older, the diaphragm and many of the internal parts are interchangable.<br /><br />If you buy the new pump, it is completely repairable and parts are available.

 

[spiersj]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

kart33, I checked the pulse line and it is not clogged nor does it have a check valve. I've owned this motor since 1985 and have never had any trouble. It has been running great up until my last fishing trip when it quit. This engine has a vacuum switch, which has two wires and a nipple where it is connected to the fuel line before fuel goes into the pump (a tee connection). What part does this switch play? Also, seahorse, the pump is original and has never been replaced. I don't understand what makes the pump work because only fuel lines connect to the pump, no electrical wires.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />spiersj

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

IF there are no wires coming out of the pump, you indeed have the original. Back in '86, OMC added an alarm system that used 3 wires and sent a letter to all registered owners with a special price if they wanted to upgrade.<br /><br />The pump works off of the positive and negative crankcase pulses, just like a regular fuel pump. I would recommend either replacing the pump, lines, etc. with a new one, or just buy the "fuel only" version and mix your gas and oil. All those parts are at least 17 years old and should be inspected or changed out.<br /><br />The Jan 2000 issue of Bass and Walleye Boats or the Feb issue of Trailer Boats each had a story on how the pump works and how to service it.

 

[spiersj]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

Thanks to everybody for their help and advice. I'm going to replace all fuel lines and go with a non-VRO replacement pump. If I still have problems, I'll get back with another post. From everything ya'll have told me, I have a better knowledge of how the pump works and I feel certain that the new pump will fix the problem.<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />spiersj

 

[neptune202]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

You don't need to disconnect the oil side, you can purchase a re-manufactured VRO/fuel pump from DFI for $79.00 plus core charge and shipping.

 

[spiersj]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

Well, I went through 4 dealers to find one manual fuel pump. This dealer had a manual pumped configuration 1985 150hp motor on hand and it had 2 manual fuel pumps mounted. The dealer said he did not think that one pump would feed my GT-150 so I'm putting 2 pumps on. I'm having trouble finding a dealer that stocks these pumps to get the second pump. Are they available on-line?<br /><br />spiersj

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

Your dealer is a bit confused. Years ago, if someone wanted to replace the VRO with regular pumps (1983 and earlier style) on a motor like yours they had to have 2 fuel pumps and the related plumbing, like the '83 models did.<br /><br />Now, in the OMC (Bombardier) Parts and Accessories Catalog,there is a fuel pump replacement that looks like the VRO without any oil pump on it. It's about $125 as compared to $240 for a new "VRO".

 

[woodshole]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

"Now, in the OMC (Bombardier) Parts and Accessories Catalog,there is a fuel pump replacement that looks like the VRO without any oil pump on it. It's about $125 as compared to $240 for a new "VRO"<br /><br />Does anyone know this part number??? i need it for a 1993 90hp evinrude v4 croos flow.<br />thanks<br />sean

 

[93bronco]

Re: Fuel/VRO Pump Problems

after looking myself on this site i came across this part # in one of the threads. pre-mix conversion pump omc# 438402. price 150.00. hope that helps