Premix or not to premix a VRO2 rude? If not, should VRO2 be upgraded to OMS?

[smaki]

I have an '89 Evinrude 150XP with VRO2 installed. Oregon is now E-10 so all the normal fuel here contains 10% ethanol. Wondering if I should bypass and remove the VRO2 and go premix at 50:1. And it brings up all kinds of questions. Do I leave the vacuum switch in place that identifies a fuel obstruction (as hear this is wise to know as a lean two stroke can burn up)? Do I put an electric fuel pump or something where the VRO2 is now between the vacuum T after the antisiphon before the carbs (where do I buy the right replacement fuel pump, do I use an electric fuel pump, do I use my VRO2 as a fuel pump, to I upgrade to OMS, or ?). What is the best way to debug or remove the loud horn alarms?

Do I have to worry about pre-mix separation in my dual 15 gallon tanks such as mixing it up when put oil in or when the boat sits a few months.

Yes I have read: http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VRO.html Still trying to decide what to do and your opinion is appreciated. For those with a reason either way please say why and give examples. Did a search here and could not find a thread with solid advice either way while some say read the link above and was not enough for me to decide.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Premix or not to premix a VRO2 rude? If not, should VRO2 be upgraded to OMS?

The VRO2 pump is now somewhere around 19 years old and they have not been around since 1993 when the change was made to OMS. That places the pump in the area of questionable remaining economic life in my opinion.

The safest inexpensive route is to cap the oil inlet on the pump, disconnect both harnesses but leave the vacuum switch as it is, then use premix until the VRO2 pump is no longer serviceable as a lift pump only (mine is still going strong that way and it is a year older than yours).

I know that the link to the continuous wave article on the VRO is well read, and I have referred readers to it many, many times myself. It is not the only article though and you may find this one of interest as well: http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/013127.html

You might also find some of the information in this thread helpful as well: http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/OMCvMERC.html

 

[BillP]

Re: Premix or not to premix a VRO2 rude? If not, should VRO2 be upgraded to OMS?

An old vro can't be trusted...put a brand new pump on or disconnect the old and pre mix. Premixing takes all the problems of vro failure away and the only way your motor won't get oil is if you forget to mix it. If you trust yourself to remember it needs oil in the gas and don't mind pouring oil, do the premix. If not, do a new pump. It's a no brainer to me...premix.

 

[kendunn]

Re: Premix or not to premix a VRO2 rude? If not, should VRO2 be upgraded to OMS?

I just left my VRO on, didn't do anything. I put premix in the oil tank as well as the fuel tank, so no matter what gets in there will be @ 50-1. I guess it could burn the pump up, if so then I will just replace it with a cheap electric. I don't know anything else it could hurt, could it? Added a couple of gallons of fuel capacity and 0 work.