1988 GT 150 VRO ?

[boxsterbob97]

I just bought a 1988 Ranger 390 from the original owner (he's 80!). It has the original 1988 Johnson GT 150 on it. He told me that after a couple years he had heard of motors blowing due to the VRO system failing, so he has mixed oil in the gas at 50 to 1 ever since.

I have owned various OMC motors from 70 hp to 115 hp in the late 80's and early 90's that all had VRO and never had a problem.

Does anyone have input on this subject? If the system is good, and I hook it back up, any downside? Is this a case of letting a sleeping dog lay and just continue mixing the oil with the gas?

Any input appreciated.

(Yes, it would be nice to buy a new 200 hp, but not in the budget this year!)

[SwatDawg]

If it is unhooked, I would leave it that way. If you want the vro get the new style pump. They have all but perfected it now. If you do by chance hook it back up, make sure to keep your premix just in case. Its a HUGE chance to even consider it because it has been sitting for years. ALso remember to use 93 oct. gas and brp oil for that motor, and keep the thermostats good, and that motor will last you a long time.

[dhagemeier]

just to add a few more comments in addition to the above. As a certified omc tech, the biggest problems were and still is toverify that the oil resevoir does not have water in the bottom due to condensation from sitting in bilges or due to rainwater from sitting in exposed areas on boat decks. The oil piston nor the alarm sensor cannot differentiate between the two liquids. Also in most service manuals(factory) ther is a method to verify that the vro is pulling oil thru it. Any questions call David 703-517-2626.

[ChampioNman]

There is no reason to run 93 octane, regular unleaded is all that is needed.