Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

[stevematson]

After reading about 1000 questions on the VRO(very risky oiler) a thought came to mind. Since I bought the darn thing so I would not have to mix gas (lazy). The last thing I want to do is bypass the oil tank and start mixing again. For that matter I might as well disconnect my power steering pump in my car so that doesnt go out either. 1. Why not just sell it and buy a motor that works like it should. If so, what would be a very reliable Johnson motor that would fit my boat. (1984 glastron ssv 16ft) After reading about the VRO I am extremly nervous about using. But I refuse to mix because im lazy and would rather sell the whole thing and buy a brand new boat.<br /> 2.Maybe there is a pressure gauge I could put in the line that comes out of the oil tank. At least I could keep an eye on it. I could live with that! Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Go to the FAQ section of this forum, then click on ( F. ) "More on VRO" and read about the myths and the changes to the VRO over the years.<br /><br />By the way, there is no 1984 70hp with a VRO. The 70 got the VRO a few years later.

 

[DJ]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Steve,<br /><br />Don't panic.<br /><br />You can upgrade your 1984 system to the more modern four wire system that has a better alarm system. If your pump is original, it wouldn't be a bad idea anyway.<br /><br />VRO has been blamed for numerous engine failures it did not cause. I have owned several and wouldn't have it any other way than intact and working.<br /><br />Most people do not maintain the system. If you want to maintain it, do this.<br /><br />1. Empty the oil tank.<br /><br />2. Replace the pick up tube sock (filter).<br /><br />3. Replace any hard or cracked lines.<br /><br />4. Refill with fresh TCW-3 oil.<br /><br />5. Mark a line on the tank at the new oil level.<br /><br />6. Mix fuel/oil at 50:1 until you verify oil useage (by watching the line on the tank).

 

[stevematson]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Huh, thanks. 2 things, one...how do I find out what year my motor is. Two...I just had a repair shop replace the vro pump with the "new style" is the new style, whatever that is better?<br />Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Steve,<br /><br />Post your engine model number. It is located on the bracket that attaches to the transom.<br /><br />Most likely, the repair shop installed the new type of pump. Ask them.<br /><br />Here is the link referred to above.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=000028

 

[stevematson]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Thanks DJ. I checked the motor and there is 4 wires coming out of the pump. Also the repair shop said they replaced my old style pump with the new style. $475 (warranty though). So I must have the new pump huh? I will follow your pmc on the tank. So I assume there is an alarm that goes off if it doesnt detect oil? You sure I shouldn't sell while it runs smooth.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[stevematson]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Model# J70TLCO SER#G7057169

 

[DJ]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Steve,<br /><br />You can sell it if you want to. I see no reason, if you like it.<br /><br />You can test the alarm, if you wish.<br /><br />With the key on, locate the tan wire coming from the pump. Disconnect it and touch it to a good ground (engine block). The alarm (in the control box) should sound.<br /><br />That is a nice engine. With good maintenance, it will run forever. You may want to do this.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=000016

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

BTW- It is a 1985 Model and I sure would keep it if it's running good and the VRO has been updated. Great motors!! Besides, you have just put almost $500.00 in it and getting that cost back by selling it would be tough...

 

[stevematson]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Now I'm really confused? I located the tan wire from the pump. It is harnesed with 3 other wires, I followed it down to a 4pin rubber plug that connects to nothing!! Help.

 

[DJ]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Steve,<br /><br />The shop that installed it obviously did not do the whole job. I would talk to them about that.

 

[stevematson]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Great.....I have a huge family trip planned in 2 days. What didn't they do. It looks like it is not the origianl oil tank. The 2 wires that come out of the oil tank are wired 1 to a ground, the other is wrapped in a main wiring harness. I just need some ammo so I can tell them what they did not do correctly.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

If worse comes to worse and they cannot get your boat in the shop before you go on your trip, pre-mix the oil in your fuel tank at 50:1. It may smoke a bit more, but at least you know you are protected....

 

[DJ]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Steve,<br /><br />You can also draw the line on your tank to verify oil useage.<br /><br />Tell them they obviously didn't complete the update by wiring it up correctly. It sounds like it's pretty obvious.

 

[stevematson]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

FYI The Shop that did the hatchet job is CRYSTAL PIERZ MARINE. Located in Minnesota. Its a darn good thing Im a level headed customer.

 

[McGR]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Steve: <br /><br />Not to rub it in too much... But, I think it's just this sort of dilemma that causes folks to abandon the VRO. I don't have to worry about failure of my lubrication system anymore - I just premix. While many will attest to VRO reliability, I always felt the VRO just uglied up otherwise solid, simple OMC designs. Sometimes, less is more...

 

[stevematson]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

I could not agree more McGR. Im sellin! Ford would never admit anything was wrong with the Pinto either!!!!! KABOOOM HA HAHA

 

[DJ]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

You lost me?

 

[McGR]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

A working properly installed new VRO system is probably just fine... Get yours straightened out and you can sleep well at night again. Many very knowlegable folks will attest to the newer VROs reliability. My comments were my opinion and prefrence. <br /><br />Is it really worth selling the boat over?<br /><br />On the other hand...<br /><br />Is it all that much trouble pre-mixing? Fractions and ratios aren't that difficult are they?<br /><br />I guess if you have the funds readily available a new rig is one way out. You must not be married

 

[stevematson]

Re: Should I Just Sell My 1984 VRO70 or risk it

Ya Lost me? Look, if a product has this many problems,(perception or reality) it's time to redisgn it. I looked at the other motor forums and nothing (oil injection) compares to the trouble with the VRO oil system. The experts say that if you watch it like a hawk and do all these preventitive things, it should work fine. The problem is it takes very little time to burn up your motor and its not worth spending thousands of dollars that has a system plagued with issues. Again, why should I have to premix just to make it foolproof.