VRO Issues

[cashcrews]

This past summer my motor (2002 Johnson 40hp 2-stroke)would sound an alarm and indicate "no oil", however oil was being used because I could see the level dropping in the reservoir.

I recently left it with a reputable mechanic who says that the VRO is shot. Would you recommend replacing the system or having it disconnected and mixing the gas?

Thanks for your opinions.

Cashcrews

[Macgyver55]

I already lived your story with an unhappy ending. I let my brother use the boat this summer while on vacation. He said the alarm would go off but if you shut off the motor and restarted it the alarm would not come on again. Great! Over the course of his vacation the motor started "missing" so he threw in some new plugs. Things deteriorated further until the motor "sounded funny". Needless to say the cylinders were scored and the pistons junk, and I now know how to rebuild a VRO powerhead.

The guy at the parts house told me to definitely NOT use the old Johnson/Evinrude replacement pump unless you can verify that it was manufactured AFTER BRP bought them out. The OEM pumps had a high rate of failure and poor quality control. The pumps were improved after BRP started making them and as far as I know have far less problems but are moderately expensive.

Now, back to your original question.

I personally mix now, but I am a fairly light user of my boat. I really hate mixing, but I couldn't see spending another 200 bucks for a pump and lines etc, for the amount I use it. If you are a more frequent user and don't want to mess with mixing or if multiple people operate it you are probably better off putting one in.

[Augusta]

I had the same problem with mine. I replaced my pump (with the good one), but the alarm problem is in the oil tank. To replace the alarm, you have to replace the oil tank which I was told cost $150.00.

[Valv]

Do you have a separate oil tank ?

If so send me an email, I will help you.

[cashcrews]

Valv, you've got mail.

thanks,

Cashcrews

[Phred52]

Cashcrews, Does your Tach work??? Is there any chance your battery was hooked up wrong (even for a second)?? I have a '95 Johnny 70hp and it did NOT take kindly to being hooked up wrong. I burned out a coil under the flywheel and things went "south" quick! NOW it's not possible to do that again. I was also told it was the VRO pump ($485 installed),(no offense Valv), the price difference was just under $300. Works now

[cashcrews]

Don't have a Tach in my boat, just the S.L.O.W. alarm thing. I decided to just have 'em disconnect the VRO, from now on I will pre-mix my gas.

This is an '02 motor. In early '03, the VRO went to dump and I had it replaced under warranty. Now in '05 it craps out again...time to say "enough is enough".

Now if those E-tec's were just a little bit cheaper...

[Phred52]

Cashcrews, Yeah, there is that. 2 [PoorWordUsage]s still=1 dump.

[chunkytrout]

Hey Crews, Joe's has been disconnecting the pumps right off the showroom floor for alot of customers. The 03 35 triple we use was one of them. No question anymore of oil getting in there when you mix.

See ya on Burntside!

[kjgmh]

The 35 triple does not use a VRO it has a different system, close but not a VRO. It has a seperat fuel pump and seperate oil mix unit. VRO is both combined into one.