Johnson VRO Question & Fuel

[Surgeevg22]

Hi Everyone,

I was a member on iBoats a few years ago but i could not recover my username and password.

Anyway, I Have a Four Winns Fling that i haven't used in 5 years. It has a Johnson 115 engine which powers a jet pump. Ita a hybrid inboard outboard thing. I was actively into boating before but i left for college and the boat hasn't moved since.

I want to get it back in the water but i have a few questions regarding the VRO. I Rebuilt the carbs using the rebuild kit, and i replaced all the hoses, but i used off the shelf fuel hose from napa. The VRO is inside what looks to be an airtight housing. The new hoses have a thinner outer diameter then the factory ones and this creates a gap in the seal. Is it ok for me to run the boat without the Canister being air tight. From my research it looks like a vro pump in not usually found within a housing on an outboard. So i want to belive this wont be an issue. I attached pictures for reference.

This is the canister/housing



In this picture you can see the gap.



There is a Fitting that attaches to a hose that goes from the bottom of the VRO Pump bracket to somewhere in the engine. Does anyone know what its for, and will the smaller hoses affect its purpose







Thanks for Bearing with me so far.

Lastly, when i left the boat in storage It had about 1 or 2 gallons of gas in the tank. Since i have rebuilt the carbs and changes the hoses i would like to clean the fuel tank as well. The fuel may have gummed up in the tank. The problem is that there is no way for me to remove the tank.

My plan was to try to siphon any liquid gas out of the tank and the add pain thinner in the tank to help break down any gum/varnish. My only concern is that the tank appears to be made of plastic so im not sure if paint thinner will damage tha tank and create more problems. Is this a bad idea or does anyone have any suggestions.

Thanks in Advance and sorry for the long post. I was trying to describe things as best as i could.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: Johnson VRO Question & Fuel

Looks like an 'inboard only' system, intended for draining any fuel leakage from pump to a 'safe' place and not into the bilge?
You may probably seal of the gaps with Sikaflex or other fuel resistant silicone.
Do not add paint thinner to a plastic fuel tank, and not in fuel anyway!!
Suck out what you are able to, add fuel stab to the fuel, install a separator/filter on the fuel line and fill up the tank.
best way to get into the tank for siphoning is normally by removing the fuel gauge sender and then use a copper tube to get down in the lowest corners. When doing this, be sure all parts are properly grounded to avoid any 'mishap'.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Johnson VRO Question & Fuel

Your jetdrive is considered an inboard engine according to the Coast Guard and has to comply with the Federal laws concerning fuel, ignition, and electrical systems as published in Part 183 in the Code of Federal Regulations.

Inboard engine fuel systems have to withstand a direct flame for 2 1/2 minutes and not leak. That is why the "VRO" is inside a metal cannister, for protection and for your safety should something happen.

 

[Surgeevg22]

Re: Johnson VRO Question & Fuel

Ok. That makes sense. That fitting and its purpose was really throwing me off. Thank you guys for clearing that up for me.

As far as the fuel tank ill siphon the most i can out of there and ill put in a fuel separator filter on it.

Ill keep you guys posted and thanks for helping me avoid a disaster with the paint thinner.