Need to replace VRO on 120 - need to know my options for pumps I could use

[WA-Newb]

I have been reading many threads and websites regarding replacing the VRO pump with a standard pump and now have some questions I cannot find answers to.

My motor is a 1987 Johnson 120 (serial: J120TLCUR)

Have never gotten it out on water since owning it but now know the VRO pump is toast and was told it is non repairable where it broke.

I have three options now to fix this...
1) Buy new VRO unit (proper way and preferred but expensive)
2) Buy standard fuel pump and plug it in to existing pulse line (easiest and my preferred method) and use premix
3) Buy standard fuel pump, plug the pulse line (hose) and attach the pump to the crankcase (also use premix)

What I can't figure out still and this has been debated and talked about but not really answered are...
These Questions
1 - If I buy a used VRO what years and models (HP) could I safely use?
2 - If I go with a standard pump I also need to know what years and HP to look for when buying a used pump.
3 - Is there any reason to plug the existing pulse line and use the other hole on crankcase?
It sure seems easier to use the existing line but maybe there is a reason for going the other route.

I would appreciate hearing from some of you who have actually done this..or know the in's and out's of it at least.
Thank you.

 

[WA-Newb]

Re: Need to replace VRO on 120 - need to know my options for pumps I could use

Just wanted to update this post with a link to the thread that had the most help but also makes me ask the three questions above...lol This is why I am hoping to get answers form people who have done it before, preferably on the Looper like mine.

On the following thread: http://forums.iboats.com/johnson-ev...120hp-v4-vro-fuel-pump-conversion-364011.html

Crabby asks what he can use for a pump for the same year and model of my motor.

kenmyfan said this:
You can use use a premix pump from a 1982 era V6 motor 150hp or above. That is what I did with my 1985 140hp. Run great ever since.

The thread on his conversion: http://forums.iboats.com/johnson-evinrude-outboards/now-pre-mixer-photos-265363.html

bkwapisz said this:
I have researched this conversion quite a bit both here and elsewhere and the best part # I have come up with is 438559, which is for a late 90's motor and was used up to 125HP or so. Mine is a 100 so I assume this will work. This pump has 3 tubing connections: fuel in, fuel out, and pulse fitting, so it'll basically use the same hoses you have on the VRO although no oil-in fitting.
Best I have found so far is about $87 for the pump shipped. With the right amount of hosework and a small adaptor which you'll have to make, it should bolt up to the mount for the VRO and work fine.

tashasdaddy said:
the pump Ken used will work fine. this is it. BRP Part Number: 0438559

Faztbullet says:
This type pump will not work as the 87 120 is a looper and it cannot even come close to supplying the carbs with enough fuel volume or pressure. The pump in post is for a V-4 X-flow. You can either :A) replace it with new Vro/Oms pump. (B) replace it with Vro style no oiling type but there is on $40 difference bewteen the two or (C) replace it with rebuildable style from Promarine ($192) in link below. This is same set up as the old mid 70's X-flow 235 hp with a low & high pressure pump.