VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

[kmaglothin]

There have been a lot of posts on this board and others regarding the VRO systems. Some disengage the oil side and others keep them. I found out today that it isn't just the VRO system but the shops in my area tell me that owners of other makes of outboards with oil injection abandon them as well. What I am wondering is... <br /><br />1) Is there any information on failure rate based on hours or any other measurement for VROs? <br /><br />2) When they do fail....is it a complete failure or is it a gradual failure with warning signs? <br /><br />3) If these systems are so unreliable is it that oil injection as a general principle does not work?

 

[DJ]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

Ranger,<br /><br />They are only as reliable as the care and maintenance they are given. They are also blamed, by people that do not understand them, for failures they did not cause.<br /><br />As an example, many a mechanic has blamed the oil injection system for wiping out one cylinder. Can't happen. Oil injection systems deliver oil BEFORE the carburetors thus they cannot be cylinder selective.<br /><br />If I had to name common issues that may plague them it is lack of maintenance (cleaning) and water intrusion into the system.

 

[kmaglothin]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

You did repeat something that I also heard today...that these systems are not understood well and are blamed for things they do not cause. I seems there is a lot of "fear based" removal of these systems...the idea that you would be running full out...sytems fails...no warning horn...and instant fishing weight hanging off the back of your boat with a prop on it.

 

[DJ]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

All but the very early ones have alarms. People tend to ignore those alarms, just like they tape over warning lights on the dashboards of their cars.

 

[kmaglothin]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

Good point! So...then I wonder how many true failures have happened...by that I mean...totally unavoidable.

 

[DJ]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

I'm sure there are some legit failures. However, in talking to people that I consider experts in the marine business, it is very few.<br /><br />Plus, WHENEVER oil flow is lost, the alarms sound. If they are in working order or have not been disconnected.<br /><br />By the way, get ready for fighrt on this subject. There are people that think oil injection systems are responsible for all the worlds maladies.

 

[Solittle]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

I am not in the group that thinks VROs are the source of all motor problems. Having said that IF you do have a problem the fix costs a heck of a lot more than removing it in the first place. I wouldn't remove it on a new motor but on an old er one - - - - -

 

[OBJ]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

True the pumps are expensive.....but so are stators, power packs, gears, etc. I think a lot of it comes from it being such a high profile part. You hardly ever hear from the ones that have VRO and haven't had a lick of problem with them. Some of my own customers would not be without them and have asked me how to check them out before the season starts. These are the ones that will last. As DJ said, they are only as reliable as the maint. they get.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

Maintenence and replace it every 6-8 years, as they are constantly upgrading them and making them better, not to mention less likely to fail than an older one. DJ is right on it. Maintenence!!!!

 

[kmaglothin]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

Are you saying that your experience tells you that VROs have a life of about 8 years? I am just curious how long they last. I have a 1987 GT150 with original VRO...just had the VRO torn down and tested...was told that it is in very good shape. That is 17 years on that unit. If what you are saying is true I need to be getting a new one soon.

 

[OBJ]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

That's one heckava' run on a VRO pump Ranger. But the bad thing about bench checks is that they don't tell you the real physical condition of the diaphrams. They just tell you if any are leaking or the seal between the oil and gas pump is leaking through. I would consider a new one, IMHO. You would get the latest greatest version of the pump with all the horns wistles and bells to tell ya' if it's going south. (horns wistles and bells being a figure of speech ) But the new ones are really dependable.

 

[CharlesW]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

Originally posted by Ranger375:<br /> Are you saying that your experience tells you that VROs have a life of about 8 years? I am just curious how long they last. I have a 1987 GT150 with original VRO...just had the VRO torn down and tested...was told that it is in very good shape. That is 17 years on that unit. If what you are saying is true I need to be getting a new one soon.

Interesting. I just replaced my fuel/oil pump on a 1986 Evinrude 40 because the fuel pump gave out. The VRO pump was still working. I did install another fuel and VRO pump so I didn't have to worry about other family members remembering to mix the oil. The combination pump was $265. I didn't even price a straight fuel pump.<br /><br />Charles

 

[kmaglothin]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

Charles...are you saying that was the original pump from '86?

 

[CharlesW]

Re: VRO / Other Oil Injection Systems Failure Data...

Originally posted by Ranger375:<br /> Charles...are you saying that was the original pump from '86?

I don't know that for sure, but the guy I purchased the motor from used said it was. It was one of the old three wire pumps which I think makes it pretty old.<br /><br />Charles