No Oil Alert

[eagle_3464]

I have a '96 Johnson 90hp outboard and the No Oil Alert came on Saturday evening. At the same time, the engine became sluggish until I pumped the fuel primer bulb. My wife had to periodically pump the bulb all the way back to the launch to keep us going. I'm not certain the fuel gauge is reading accurately and I may have been running low on fuel. Is it possible for the No Oil Alert to come on if you are getting air in the fuel system?

I added fuel and put the boat back on the water. After several minutes the alert will come on again. At the same time, the fuel primer bulb will become spongy so maybe there is still air that needs to be purged out. Just wondering if removing the fuel lines or inspecting to make sure they are tight could possibly remedy the problem, or will I need to replace the VRO (OMS) module?

[CaptainMusky]

Considering the vintage and the propensity for vro issues I would suspect that is the problem.

[Ufatz]

Sounds like you need a new fuel line. You should NOT have to squeeze that bulb to keep the engine running.

[marine_man]

It sounds to me like the VRO pump is on it's way out; or a vacuum line is loose / leaking / cut to feed the VRO pump. The VRO pump handles your oil and fuel...

marine_man

[harvey lee]

Not saying it is the fuel line but if you have not replaced it and you have the older type in it and not the good stuff, change the line. Some fuel "ethanol" raises heck with those lines. They will break up inside the line and that crud can get to your motor.

[boatfixer]

Absolutely if your getting air in the system the alarm will sound, that's how they're designed. When the pump begins to fail, the fuel is flow is affected first activating the alarm, (air in the system)

[eagle_3464]

After replacing all the fuel lines, including the primer bulb and filter, I still get the alarm and a soft primer after about 1 minute. As expected I am now down to replacing the VRO. Has anyone purchased these from the bay? They are $360 on the bay and $536 at the local marine dealer.

[Surface Tension]

Check the impulse hose from the crank to VRO. If its cracked or loose connections your pump won't work right.

If that all checks out, you can replace the gaskets on the VRO fuel side of the pump.

[westguy]

I have a 96 90HP as well and have replaced my VRO pump a few times over the years. I personally would stay clear of buying it from the bay you just don't know what your going to get.