VRO Pump question

bleubeans

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 4, 2011
Messages
32
Hello all. Does anyone have instructions on removing the VRO and replacing it with a regular mechanical fuel pump? If so, which pump will work? The previous owner already had the VRO blocked off but the fuel "nipple" broke off :eek: while replacing the old crusty fuel line which was breaking down and clogging the carbs. I have searched for answers for several days but no one has definitive instructions. Most everything is about VRO block off but not a removal and fuel pump conversion. Thanks :)
 

ryguy1101

Seaman
Joined
Feb 23, 2011
Messages
66
Re: VRO Pump question

bb-there are a couple different options for you. If the fuel pump side of your VRO still works, then I believe you can just disconnect all the sensors, wires, and hoses for the oil side and run premix through the VRO without changing many parts (though fixing or replacing the broken "nipple" may be problematic) If not, then just find and post the model number for your engine and many of the techs here can tell you which parts would need to be swapped to switch to standard fuel pump. Not too tough of a project. Just need more info.
 

bleubeans

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 4, 2011
Messages
32
Re: VRO Pump question

Oh sorry it is a 1986 Johnson 70 hp (J70ELCDC). Thanks Rick but when i click on the link in that thread i get nothing. I believe it should be a link to the part (fuel pump) i need. I want to completely eliminate the VRO as the fuel inlet is broken. I just need to know what fuel pump (mechanical) i will need and where the lines should run. I have a pretty good idea but I want to be sure. Thanks
 

guy74

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 12, 2007
Messages
794
Re: VRO Pump question

You are working on basically the same engine as I have, 1988 60hp Johnson. I converted it to premix, completly removing the VRO since it was leaking badly. I used the fuel pump off a 1978 70hp Johnson, bought it used on Ebay and rebuilt it with a kit from Iboats. You do have to replace the fitting where the pulse line goes into the intake with a common hose-barb, as the pulse limiter fitting won't work right. I just wrapped the pump with foam and it lays in the pan under the carbs, on the port side, instead of making a bracket to mount it on the engine. It has worked fine like that for the last 4 years. If you have any specific questions, just ask and I will try answer them.
 

bleubeans

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 4, 2011
Messages
32
Re: VRO Pump question

You are working on basically the same engine as I have, 1988 60hp Johnson. I converted it to premix, completly removing the VRO since it was leaking badly. I used the fuel pump off a 1978 70hp Johnson, bought it used on Ebay and rebuilt it with a kit from Iboats. You do have to replace the fitting where the pulse line goes into the intake with a common hose-barb, as the pulse limiter fitting won't work right. I just wrapped the pump with foam and it lays in the pan under the carbs, on the port side, instead of making a bracket to mount it on the engine. It has worked fine like that for the last 4 years. If you have any specific questions, just ask and I will try answer them.

Thanks guy74. That's exactly what i intended on... putting the pump in the space the VRO use to occupy. I just yanked my VRO off 10 minutes ago. I'm gonna hunt down (cheapest) fuel pump and tackle this problem. . Do you have any pictures of your set up? Is yours a 3cyl 60 hp? I don't think it should make a difference?? Anyway, I appreciate it greatly! Hopefully, I'll be on the water soon!
 

guy74

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 12, 2007
Messages
794
Re: VRO Pump question

Yes my 60 is the 3 cylinder model, I'm not sure what the diffeerences are that give yours 10 more hp, they look the same from the outside. I'll try to take some pics, but I'm not sure how to post them. I'll try to get some pics on here for you soon.
 

bleubeans

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 4, 2011
Messages
32
Re: VRO Pump question

Yes my 60 is the 3 cylinder model, I'm not sure what the diffeerences are that give yours 10 more hp, they look the same from the outside. I'll try to take some pics, but I'm not sure how to post them. I'll try to get some pics on here for you soon.

Okay cool. If it's easier my email is jsboo72@yahoo.com. I think the only difference between the two outboards is the carbs. I'm probably gonna buy that pump you linked me to earlier unless I can get my hands on one locally.
 

Rick.

Captain
Joined
Jul 30, 2006
Messages
3,740
Re: VRO Pump question

Oh sorry it is a 1986 Johnson 70 hp (J70ELCDC). Thanks Rick but when i click on the link in that thread i get nothing. I believe it should be a link to the part (fuel pump) i need. I want to completely eliminate the VRO as the fuel inlet is broken. I just need to know what fuel pump (mechanical) i will need and where the lines should run. I have a pretty good idea but I want to be sure. Thanks
Well it works for me but anyway go to the Top Secret File at the beginning of this forum and you will find a link about converting over. Rick.
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: VRO Pump question

1982 era pre-mix pump for the same capacity motor should work like a charm for you.
 
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