To VRO or not to VRO that is the question

[belairbrian]

I just bought a 99 50 hp Johnson, it currently has the non VRO fuel pump installed. The PO said his mechanic refused to work on it unless he removed the VRO. But he kept the VRO pump, tank and hoses and included them in the sale.

In the short term I'll leave it as is as I have about 20 gals of premix in the tank.

But should I go ahead and reinstall the VRO system. I had it on a 140 and never had issues.

Also is there a way to tell if a VRO pump is good with it off the engine?

 

[multimech]

Re: To VRO or not to VRO that is the question

Put a pressure checker on the pulse hose fitting at the bottom of the VRO. Put your finger over the fuel outlet at the top of the pump. Put 15 psi to the pump, with your finger covering the fuel outlet. Pull the hose of the pump off the pulse fitting. Then remove your finger from the fuel outlet. You should hear a "click". If you do, do the same thing as with the pressure pump with a vacuum pump. Pull 15 in of mecury, remove pump from pulse, then remove your finger from the outlet. If you hear a "click" that means both the diaphragms are good. If you don't hear a click they are compromised and the pump is no good.

If it checks good. Install it on your engine. Put 50:1 mix in your fuel tank. Get a clear hose. Graduate the hose at 1/2 inch markings for about 5 inches of the hose. Install it on the pump at the oil inlet. Fill it with TCWIII . Run the engine at 1500 in gear and be aware of a pule coming from the VRO. You should use 3 inches of oil for 3 to 6 "clicks' of the pump.

Good luck.