VRO Float

[BillP]

Re: VRO Float

Brad,<br />You can get a fuel pump for the 65 hp commercial Johnson and it will fit. The 65 is a 70 powerhead with low compression heads.

 

[almost retired again]

Re: VRO Float

Hello Brad,<br />I guess I'll add one more post to this very long thread.<br />I have disconnected,or disabled quite a few VRO's while working for a rental marina. The reason for this was not because they figured that the VRO was a bad design, but because they figured that most of the people that rented boats wouldn't know what the alarm was for. Because of this we disabled them and mixed or own fuel/oil.<br />For 16 years I personally attended at least 2 weeks of Johnson/ Evinrude schools plus Mercury/ mercruiser schools. I don't think that there is a better oiling system than the OMC VRO, simple in design, one air motor shaft drives both the fuel and oil pump. Sure anything can and will go bad, but there is only so many precautions that a person can do to prevent being stranded. The OMC VRO has been blamed for almost everthing that could happen to an outboard, Most of these problems were probly due to something else. OMC's VRO system from the beginning has been in my opinion a very reliable system that has only gotten better over the years.<br />In response to the U.S. Coast guard, I rigged a 19 ft. Crestliner with a 135 Johnson and gave it to my son-in-law who is in the Coast Guard his, first response was can we rig it for a VRO. He was a MK that worked on everthing from small engines to large diesels now he is a warrant officer that inspects ships in La.,so I assume that he thinks highly of the VRO system.<br />But to sum it all up you will be fine either way, it's all a matter of preference.<br />Have Fun

 

[bradheil]

Re: VRO Float

Hello Gentleman,<br />It seems as if this subject could be debated forever. I had said before that on my other boat I repowered it with a 1996 150hp Evenrude with VRO. For two seasons I ran that engine without ever having a problem with the oiling system. I had to go from 2 boats down to one because of my disability and finances. Because of the first engine I became accustomed to the concept of not having to mix the oil anymore. Now with this engine I am somewhat uncomfortable with this setup because of the buzzer sounding. I now realize that my setup is not the best and needs improvement. I also believe both sides of this debate have very strong arguements. I am not unreasanable to either case because, I believe technology does improve as years go by. I also have heard the horror stories of those who have had to replace power heads and their belief that the VRO system failed. Everyone here sounds much more educated with these engines than I, and that is very valuable information to have access to. It seems as if this subject will make people's head's spin for years to come and right now mine is spinning. I believe it was Clanton who had said in a previous message "He's getting a head ache." Well I don't have a head ache but I now understand where Clanton is coming from. I must say these conversations that I have had with all of you have been humorous at times, extremely informative, very much appreciated, and most certainly enjoyable. I am new to this site and still do not know all of the proper protocol to follow however, this site has to be the best thing out there for "Newbie" and "Seasoned Sailors" (not as in blow boaters, which I also enjoy) alike. I would certainly like to meet all of you and sit down and talk "Shop" with you all. I'll bet that's a conversation that could go on forever also. I will continue to be a frequent visitor of this site and I thank you all very much for the help that I have gotten. What will I do with my VRO situation? Leave you with this <br />Brad

 

[orca]

Re: VRO Float

G'day. OB asked for examples of VRO failure causing powerhead failure. I have seen many VRO failures causing powerhead failures. I do not pull a motor down and blame the VRO just because I cannot find the real cause. When you pull a powerhead down and find no oil on the bearings then there can only be one cause. VRO failure.<br />If you strip down the VRO pump you can often find the cause. A broken shaft, split diaphragm or the lugs on the pump washer broken.<br />OB if you would like to travel to Australia I will happilly show him my collection of old VRO pumps. I might even treat you to a good old a<br />Aussie beer.

 

[ob]

Re: VRO Float

Whaley ,I'd love to do just that.I often wondered if the hollywood depiction of the laid back ,easy going Ausi was true to life.I now think it probably is.Maybe we could get together for some serious shark fishing trips and use some of those vro pump parts for leader weights.

 

[bradheil]

Re: VRO Float

As I said "Humorous" you guys are too much!!!