VRO re- connecting ?

[marshy]

Hello all. I have a 1988 johnson 70hp with the VRO2 lubrication system.When I bought the boat the system had been disconnected & I have been running the boat on 50:1 premix.I am considering re-connecting it for three reasons,firstly the cost of the oil, secondly the smoke & lastly I have concerns about fouling plugs at trolling speeds. A few months ago I had a look at an American boating chat page & did a search on VRO2 & found opinions ranging from never use it because it stuffs motors all the way to the best thing since sliced bread & that those that blame VRO for motor failure are speaking trought their hat.I was wondering if anyone has done this or if anyone can recommend an expert I can talk to in Brisbane?.
Thanks.

Marshy

[rickster]

If it has been disconnected for a long time I definately would not reconnect as they are a diaphagm pump. The diaphagm will be dried out which could result in engine failure. Probably need to keep running the way it is. Or replace VRO pump. Hope this helps.

[Spaniard_King]

yes it can be done.

What are you like at russion roulet

Can you afford a full engine rebuild if something goes wrong with the oil system.

VRO systems espeacially old ones are time bombs waiting to go off

IMO premix is best for that engine.

Garry

[HarryO]

Marshy...

VRO is an acronym for "Very Rarely Operational"

and for good reasons..

(and I like Johnnos)

Be accurate with your premixing.

50 to 1 is 25ml per litre.

Not 20ml, or 30 0r 35..

Harry.

[marshy]

Thanks for your opinions guys, I was tending towards leaving it on pre-mix because of all the negative things I have heard about VRO. I guess a bit of smoke is small price to pay for engine life, it only has 133hrs from new [7.38hrs a year!] so hopefully is good for a few hundred more. Thanks again for your advice.

Marshy

[T-REX]

Marshy,
The price of buying a new VRO pump and fuel pump as they come as one unit is not cheap. I replaced one back in the mid nineties and the part cost about $400.00. Think about it. Four Hundred dollars buys a lot of fuel.
My maths must be a bit out as I thought 50:1 was 20ml to 1000ml or 20ml to the litre. Must be getting old.
T-REX

[HarryO]

No Rex,

you're right...

Its my math that is suffering...

Hey, its been a long time since I've premixed...

Still, keep it accurate, whatever the ratio is..

Harry.