VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

[CadillacsCowgirl]

We are contemplating disconnecting our VRO2 System on our '89 GT150. The PO installed all new components during the complete rebuild of the engine and it works just fine. It is that "little voice" in the back of our mind that says "what if...". We'd just like to know what others think and know from experience with this system. All input would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

The new OMS systems are super. Do you have the no oil alarm? If so, I would run it. It is very convenient and the motor runs a lot better with a fresh mix all the time....

Now be smart and carry enough oil to mix with the fuel to achieve a 50::1 mix, in case the oil injection fails....

 

[CadillacsCowgirl]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

We do have the alarm, a new one, I replaced it a few days ago due to a continuous alarm due to an internal short in the alarm. It does work, it alerted me to the fact that our VRO2 oil supply tank got down to 1/4 full on our way back to the ramp Monday. I guess we are just overly cautious. We really cannot afford to have an engine meltdown! Our main concern is to the reliability and accuracy of the VRO2 System.

 

[CadillacsCowgirl]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

One more concern, with our engine being 30over, would it require a slightly higher ratio of oil. Also if the ratio is adjustable in any way with the VRO2 System? I apologize for being a pain in the butt with all the questions but this is my husbands first nice boat (I sort of forced him to trade his car for it) and I want to make sure everything is running correctly (I also like to know how things work).

 

[hidef]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

You still run 50:1 being 30 over as no impact on the fuel to oil mix. I would keep your VRO system hooked up. Your monitoring is working as it should. For extra peace of mind you could top off the oil tank every time you fill the fuel tank that way you will know if you are using the right amount of oil to fuel. For every 6 gallons of gas you burn you should be adding 16 ounces of oil.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

Cowgirl, First of all, I think it a good move to get rid of husband's car to get a boat. The only better thing for him is to get rid of your car to get boat. (smile).

That motor should have 4 alarms. No oil at pump, low oil in tank, overheat and Check Engine (Restricted fuel supply). I recommend you get to know each one. Obviously if you get the no oil alarm, you need to add oil to gas tank to make a 50::1 mixture, until you get it sorted out.

 

[CadillacsCowgirl]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

Was a "wiser" choice to get rid of his car, 89 convertible Mustang GT, and keep my vehicle, 00 Dodge Dakota quad cab with a V8. The car killed my already bad back and quite honestly I hated the car. My husband absolutely LOVES the boat and tinkering keeps him busy (he just medically retired from the Army and has too much time on his hands).
I appreciate the input and think we will be keeping the VRO system hooked up. Great idea on topping the tank off every time we gas up. Of course, we will be carrying an extra quart of oil with us. As far as alarms go, we already know the low oil alarm and the overheat alarm (although found out the horn was faulty and we replaced it this week).

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

Here is some excellent reading that may make you feel more at ease..

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VRO.html

 

[ironhill]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

I vote to keep it too given you have the updated "warning" tach. One thing I do for a little extra visual peace of mind is I put a small piece of coloured tape on my resevoir at the level of the oil as I leave the dock. Since my resevoir is relatively clean I check regularly during the day to make sure I "see daylight" between the tape and the oil level. As already mentioned I carry an extra quart of oil just in case.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

premix..my final answer

 

[CadillacsCowgirl]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

Ok, we're sold! Keeping the VRO2 System and using your tips to monitor it's operation. The link was also great info. Thanks a lot to all who commented.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

Cowgirl, Take enough oil to premix a full tank. Worst Case Scenario: Let's pretend you top off the gas tank and go about a mile from the dock, and the no oil light comes on. Will a quart of oil premix the entire gas tank contents?

I have a 63 Gal gas tank. My '98 Johnny 150HPV6 with the OMS system mixes fuel at about a 60::1 ratio. I therefore have 1 gal of oil with me at all times. It covers the worst case scenario that I described.

 

[CadillacsCowgirl]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

My husband just said we'd be safer to carry a gallon. The whole boat acronym feels like it has a ring of truth... Bust Out Another Thousand.

 

[hidef]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

Boats aren't cheap to own. My wife calls mine the money pit

 

[CadillacsCowgirl]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

I won't call it a money pit... yet. We have been very fortunate so far (knocking on every piece of wood I can find) and it's been little nickel and dime stuff. When we did the trade the motor had literally two hours on a complete (and done right) rebuild, new steering system, new tires, winch, bearing, wiring and lights on the trailer. The hull itself is in excellent shape and the interior in pretty good shape. All in all I can't complain much... although it is costing more a month than my horses do (fuel, oil, beer, etc).

 

[dadtodc]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

Not trying to steal your thread Cowgirl, but I have been reading up on this VRO thing for a while. I have a 1986 Johnson140 with VRO, and I switched out motors to a 1982 Evinrude that doesnt have a VRO on it. I still have the working VRO and was wondering if I can just hook it up to my 1982 motor? I have a huge gas tank and I dont want to have to guess on the oil mix that is in there everytime I get fuel.

 

[CadillacsCowgirl]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

Can in no way answer that question but I did find this handy dandy calculator for the correct oil ratio yesterday...
http://www.csgnetwork.com/marineoilfuelcalc.html

 

[stylesabu]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

you would be buying the beer anyway,besides how do you beat a day on the water?

 

[CadillacsCowgirl]

Re: VRO or NO VRO, That is the question!

So true on the beer anyway purchase! And no, you can't beat a day out on the boat!
In response to the question posted by dadtodc, check out the post made on here earlier by rickdb1boat, it has a ton of great info on VRO. Not sure about retrofit, but I have found that where there is a will...!!!