VRO Question

[Ranger 335*V]

I have a 1986 Johnson 110 HP V4 with a VRO pump. The previous owner disconnected the VRO and has set it up for premix. He told me to run it at 50:1 but of course with a lot of slow moves it fouls plugs and can blow a lot of smoke on start up after taking multiple short trips. Wide open the boat runs great.

He tossed the old oil tank and plugged the hose off. I would like to hook the VRO back up but need some advice on where I can find the parts and if that is a good idea.

I had the motor checked and the compression is excellent and the mechanic said the motor had been recently rebuilt.

I have had two differing opinions on the VRO, one said if the VRO goes out so does the fuel because they are the same pump so it can not lock up your motor. The other said it is too risky and that is why it was probably disconnected because motors from that era would blow due to bad VRO pumps.

I am new to the outboard bass boat world and could use some advice.

Thanks and Semper Fi,

Rod

[SEAHORSE]

If the pump is an '86 model, don't use it.

I'll bet the thermostats are not warming up both cylinder heads enough, the recirculation valves, hoses, and fittings are plugged, and that you are not using the Champion QL82c sparkplugs, the motor is too low in the water, and those are the biggest reasons why you are fouling out plugs.

[slonezp]

Ihad an '88 VRO. Garbage! 3 pumps in 4 years and finally had it changed to pre mix then sold the boat.

[HiOSilver]

slonezp - I have the same question as the guy above asked. How did you know the VRO pump had failed? Can if fail and not give a warning? I've got a 1990 GT 150 on a 1990 Ranger I just bought and I'm being told that if I don't disconnect the VRO it will cost me the engine someday... I'm going to post this question as a separate thread, but would like to hear your experience.

Thanks,

Chris

[dlewis10]

Have a 1991 Evinrude. The original VRO went bad two years ago on me. The alarms let me know the was a no oil condition, and I cut the engine, and there was absolutely no damage to the engine. That original VRO worked flawlessly for close to twenty years. They will go eventually, but it is a good mechanical part. Check with some other experts here how to check your alarm system to see if they are functioning like they should.