VRO/OMS oil tank installation question

[d.boat]

This is a 1990 200 HP - J200TXESM - that is running well.

If there's a way to search for this, I have no idea how. Thanks for a pointer to the information or any help you can give.

Are there specifications for the distance from the engine and the height (relative to fuel pump) that I can install my oil tank? Right now it's located in the rear of the boat near the engine and about 2 feet below the fuel pump, total oil line run of maybe 3-4 feet. For the functioning of the system, it's probably an excellent spot. But, it's in a location where it is kind of in the way and at risk of being bumped by feet (when fishing) and also coolers, etc. if they slide around or are carelessly moved.

I'd like to move it forward as far as possible (where I can tuck it into an unused little niche which is also more protected). Rise to fuel pump would remain at about 2 feet.

Another option might be to use the same general location, but get it off the floor to a spot that is about at the same level as the fuel pump and maybe 2-3 feet away.

I'm installing a new/current model of fuel pump and while I'm at it I thought I'd maybe change the location of the oil tank.

I do have a factory shop manual, but forgot to see if this information is in it (and now I'd like to buy oil line before I head home this evening).

Thanks for your help.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: VRO/OMS oil tank installation question

I have seen them mostly as near the motor as possible, I would not move it very far away. Have you considered pre-mixing your fuel and plugging the oil inlet going to your fuel pump. I do not even know anyone who uses the oil side of the VRO pumps, they have a high rate of failure. and it would get rid of the tank, and you KNOW for sure you are getting enough oil.

 

[oldgradywhite]

Re: VRO/OMS oil tank installation question

I still have my vro pump! I put my tank where is where you can jest don't add any more line then it came with. There are many warning alarms if some thing with wrong with your pump. jest make sure your horn works.

 

[d.boat]

Re: VRO/OMS oil tank installation question

I have seen them mostly as near the motor as possible, I would not move it very far away. Have you considered pre-mixing your fuel and plugging the oil inlet going to your fuel pump. I do not even know anyone who uses the oil side of the VRO pumps, they have a high rate of failure. and it would get rid of the tank, and you KNOW for sure you are getting enough oil.

Don't agree with that and don't believe it's true at all. I'm not interested in that option. As I said, I was installing a new updated OMS pump and am only looking for tank installation advice. thanks anyway.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: VRO/OMS oil tank installation question

well as Grady said, I would not add any more line than came with the tank originally..though I am not sure that by upgrading to the new pump you may be able to get away with adding a few feet. What is it you do not agree with?? I deal with a lot of boats and it is very rare for me to find a VRO pump that has not been capped on anything older than late 90s..and the failure rate is very high, so I am not sure what you are disagreeing about, facts are facts. you must be from upnorth.

 

[2whalers-1 motor]

Re: VRO/OMS oil tank installation question

Ok so am just learning about VRO's. I wondered about just pre-mixing but was told by my mechanic that since my engine is a 1999 year model it would be better to use the VRO because they are so much more reliable and better made. Is this true? If I decide to plug it and pre-mix will there be much more smoke..I mean will I be putting more oil into it than it needs? Chris K

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: VRO/OMS oil tank installation question

I do believe that the 1999 model has the newer style OMS pump and they are much more reliable.. it is up to you, it will not hurt your engine in any way or cause much more smoke to premix, but with that pump and the better alarm system with the newer models, I would think you are fine to use oil tank. test your alarm system periodically. you can test by grounding temp sensor wire to block with key in the on position, should get a steady beep.

 

[ezeke]

Re: VRO/OMS oil tank installation question

When the VRO pumps first came out, the instruction manual said that if you wanted to have the oil line longer than the ten feet that came with the tank, that you could use up to 25 feet as long as you used a single piece of hose of that length. The primary concern was air leaks.

The vinyl oil supply lines originally use on some motors was to be replaced subject to SB 2261. Use 1/4" ID reinforced rubber hose and rachet clamps #322654.

The 25' hose for that purpose was part #333485, which is superseded by
#0772572.

There have been some reports of oil being siphoned from the oil tank when the oil tank was mounted higher than the fuel pump.

 

[d.boat]

Re: VRO/OMS oil tank installation question

well as Grady said, I would not add any more line than came with the tank originally..though I am not sure that by upgrading to the new pump you may be able to get away with adding a few feet. What is it you do not agree with?? I deal with a lot of boats and it is very rare for me to find a VRO pump that has not been capped on anything older than late 90s..and the failure rate is very high, so I am not sure what you are disagreeing about, facts are facts. you must be from upnorth.

OK, once again, I am not looking for a debate on the system itself. If you're really interested in a good argument, or finding out why I or others might disagree with your opinions (not facts) please take the time to do a search in these forums and others because using the simple term "VRO".

Since you might be unaware, these are very old debates with input on both sides by people with extensive professional and personal experience, a solid technical knowledge of the system and its proper maintenance.... as well as many people who have formed their opinions based on limited personal experience, urban legends, myths and the opinions and advice of ignorant mechanics who should know better, but don't. Only you know which camp you fall into. I choose to read expert opinions and guidelines and decide for myself. I'm sorry if I seem testy, but I don't feel any need to review my decision or defend it to anyone, and that was not my question.

I hope people with actual professional or solid actual (not "I don't know, but I would think") experience or definitive knowledge of the tank installation will answer. Like I said, thanks anyway.

 

[d.boat]

Re: VRO/OMS oil tank installation question

When the VRO pumps first came out, the instruction manual said that if you wanted to have the oil line longer than the ten feet that came with the tank, that you could use up to 25 feet as long as you used a single piece of hose of that length. The primary concern was air leaks.

The vinyl oil supply lines originally use on some motors was to be replaced subject to SB 2261. Use 1/4" ID reinforced rubber hose and rachet clamps #322654.

The 25' hose for that purpose was part #333485, which is superseded by
#0772572.

There have been some reports of oil being siphoned from the oil tank when the oil tank was mounted higher than the fuel pump.

Thanks for that. I see that the tank's electrical/alarm cord is approximately 20 feet long. Based on this and what you're saying, it sounds like that would be a safe distance. My preferred location is only about 8 or 10 feet away. I know about the need for an un-spliced run of oil hose, proper clamping, purging, alarm checks, etc. so I feel pretty comfortable with that. None of my possible locations are above the fuel pump, so siphoning shouldn't be a problem.