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Random Quote: This is no democracy. However, I do like to hear any well thought out, reasonable suggestion. ONCE. (Bus Mosbacher, America's Cup Skipper)
The 21' Mako that I bought came with the 150 Johnson Ocean Pro with the automatic oil feed via separate oil tank.
I've heard that this system can be unreliable, and cause pre mature engine damage.
The engine has apparently run fine with it for several years, so what's the word on this - leave as is, or disconnect,
and add oil as I fill the gas tank ??
Also, if I do add the oil via the gas tank, how much oil to add, given the gas tank holds approx. 100 gallons, and
is about 3/4 full with gas already.
do a search on this subject its been talked about a bit. i own a 93 rude 150 and thats the first thing i did when i bought the boat used. i sleep alot better at night knowing that my outboard is getting all the oil it needs.
A gallon of oil is good for 48 gallons of gas....I would probably run the gas down with the VRO attached...then refill the tank. I would put 12 gallons of gas in, then dump a quart of oil in.* Will take you a little longer the first time but you will have a good mix of gas and oil.* Run the engine for a few minutes to get the gas/oil mixture into the carbs, then disconnect the VRO.
I had a late 80s 90 Evinrude with VRO that ran flawlessly.* I also had a late 80s 150 Johnson that grenaded itself..never confirmed but thought to be VRO related.
Have a buddy with the same motor, no problems. However, he does add some oil to the gas as well as run the VRO. Smokes a little more, maybe fouls some plugs, but at least it is a failsafe. Also heard it is a good idea to run OMC oil
my .02 worth
Chris
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Work hard, play hard, catch fish or tell lies.
I ran omc oil for years and kept seeing fouled plugs when i replaced them. started running quicksilver plugs and the plugs seem alot better last time i replaced them.
There was a very good article in Trailer Boats Magazine a few years ago about maintaining/repairing OMC VRO systems. Many excellent tips including upgrades.
IRRC, the biggest cause for problem were, gunk in the tank/filter and air leaks caused by cracked plastic parts or dried/cracked vacuum/feed hoses.
Try the TBM web site and see if the article is online.
It is conventional wisdom that once the warranty is up, disconnect the VRO and start pre-mixing. Unless you want to chance a premature powerhead failure.
My motors at 1996.* VRO has worked very well.* I personally think your going backward disconnecting the VRO.* I have 195 gallon tank and I can't imagine going back to mixing by guess.* The 50:1 mix is for high speed; trolling is much less, like 100:1; looking to foul plugs IMO.*
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Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24 Outrage, twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros
I have to agree with Mumblerone.* I had a '94 Johnson 150 and never had a problem.* I never used anything but OMC or Merc oil.* I checked the tank for gunk regularly and never had any.* I'll agree that the early VRO systems had problems but even then my '87 Commercial Evinrude 155hp never miseed a beat with its' VRO system.
There was a very good article in Trailer Boats Magazine a few years ago about maintaining/repairing OMC VRO systems. Many excellent tips including upgrades.
IRRC, the biggest cause for problem were, gunk in the tank/filter and air leaks caused by cracked plastic parts or dried/cracked vacuum/feed hoses.
Try the TBM web site and see if the article is online.
That article appeared in the February 2000 issue of Trailer Boats magazine. Like theoldwizard said (per the article), other than the first year or two of the VRO's existence (which was back in the early to mid-80's from what I recall), the problems with the VRO are with water in the oil tank, or cracked/split lines. Use a turkey baster to draw a sample of what's in your oil resivoir. If it's got water or dirt in it, clean out the resivoir and oil line and replace the filter. If you have the vinyl (not rubber) oil line running from the tank to the VRO, replace it ASAP. I had a VRO resivoir split/crack once. But I think that was due to my own stupidity and over tightening the nuts on the bracket. They continued to upgrade/enhance the VRO system up through (and including) 1994. You can buy a replacement VRO pump that includes all updates. I've owned two VROs. A 1990 Johnson 90hp and a 1994 60hp Evinrude. Never had a problem with either motor. I still have the 60hp. But I gotta be honest, I have recently ordered the parts to convert over to pre-mix for this motor. I only run it off a portable 6.5 gallon tank so mixing isn't a big deal for me. I do not use that motor for slow speed trolling so the benefit of the reduced oil ratio is not significant for me.
There was a very good article in Trailer Boats Magazine a few years ago about maintaining/repairing OMC VRO systems. Many excellent tips including upgrades.
Try the TBM web site and see if the article is online.
The VRO story was also printed in an early Bass and Walleye Boats magazine and in a trade journal of the Association of Marine Technicians (AMTEC).
VRO on 93 Johnson 150hp - keep or disconnect?
