VRO Johnson 2000 or newer - The Hull Truth

highman · 10-28-2005, 10:18 AM

I'm curious if anyone out there has had VRO failures on a post 2000 Johnson carburated motor and if so, did it lead to powerhead failure or did the alarms alert to the malfunction.

I'm trying to decide whether or not to disable the VRO on my 2001 Johnson 150 Ocean Pro (Carb motor). Most dealers and shops I've spoken to suggest that on newer motors, with the alarm systems, to leave the VRO engaged.

I know there's a slew of people too, who would suggest getting rid of the VRO so there was no worry.

I'd like to hear from those who have a newer motor so as to not confuse the issue with those who had trouble in the early days of VRO.

Thanks

Happy Daze · 10-28-2005, 10:36 AM

Highman, I have a 2000 model Johnson 150 and I disconnected the VRO within the first six months of ownership. My VRO went out at 100 hrs. The alarm did go off and I shut it down immediately, so luckily no damage occured to the powerhead. I took it in under warranty and had them replace the VRO, but disconnected it while it was there. I've been mixing my oil ever since and I like it that way, because I don't have to worry about the engine not getting any oil. Also, this freed up a good bit of space for storage, because I removed the oil reservoir. This has been one solid engine with the exception of that one thing.

Stcatfisherman · 10-28-2005, 10:59 AM

I just replaced a 1991 Johnson 200 with a 2005 E-Tech 200. I sold the 1991 as it was still running well. The VRO worked for the 14 years I owned it without a problem. The motor got used alot as I live on the water and the boat sits on a lift. It just loved gas and oil though.

highman · 10-28-2005, 01:15 PM

Sounds like another toss-up on whether to disable or not. I think if I knew the alarms would function and save the powerhead, I'd stick with VRO, but I'm not sure how confident I am of the reliability of these systems. Thanks to Cpt Mark and Happy Daze for the comments. Still deciding. - Highman

mannyq · 10-28-2005, 05:36 PM

Twin 2000 115 - Ocean Pro's 560 hours each
Bought my boat as repo where previous owner had both VRO disconnected. I bought new oil tanks and reconnected all the wiring and hoses. Alarm has worked properly when tested for NO and LOW oil. VRO has been working fine.
Only problem has been oil siphoning into vapor separator on one motor when boat sits for a while which I corrected by removing and plugging lines. Have service tag on motor and throttle to remind me to reconnect.

Mumblerone · 10-28-2005, 05:42 PM

I have twin 175 Evinrudes (1996) with VRO...no problems in the last 9 years. IMO, you going backwards disconnecting the VRO system; which is quite simple. VRO Fuel-Oil Mixing Discription

ChemGuy · 10-28-2005, 06:35 PM

I switched a 1992 J200 over to System Check alarms. When (after 13 years and well over 1000 hours) the VRO died of old age, the alarms worked perfectly. In fact I had enough oil on board to make a 50:1 mix in the tank and salvaged the fishing trip. I had the VRO replaced and the motor is still running strong.

VRO gets a bad rap for no reason. The problems of the early models were dealt with over a decade ago. Apparently nautical ledgends die harder than urban ones.

highman · 10-29-2005, 09:10 PM

Good feedback and thanks.

jawz · 10-29-2005, 09:42 PM

the alarm has a "self check" when the key is turned to the "on" position,the alarm sounds-this is the test....disconnecting the vro system ??? why ??? if the alarm is functional,where's the worry ???most if not all the vro pumps i ever replaced were replaced due to a ruptured diaphram-excessive oil....again,why would you want to go the mixing oil and fuel ???as far as freeing up space,the oil tank is the size of a group 27 battery ???
my advise,check the alarm to see if it sounds when the key is turned on-and leave it alone......

mike481050 · 10-29-2005, 11:59 PM

1997 Evinrude 90 with 424 hours on it. OMS (VRO!) has self test as soon as you turn key so no need to worry re alarms as stated above.

Brother had 1986 70HP Johnson with one of original VRO systems which did almost 2000 hours without trouble.

Keep Oil Metering System (VRO!) connected and enjoy your boating!

MustangMike · 10-30-2005, 10:36 AM

Twin J150, 1994 models. Both with VRO Pumps. Working for me.

highman · 10-30-2005, 06:09 PM

OK Gents. Greatly appreciate your feedback. I'm keeping the VRO. This thread is enough evidence that the VROs are performing pretty well. Happy boating.

peakread · 10-31-2005, 08:07 AM

The self test on the VRO/OMS does not test the sensor on the pump, or the sensor wire from pump to alarm.

autobaun70 · 10-31-2005, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Mumblerone - 10/28/2005 5:42 PM

I have twin 175 Evinrudes (1996) with VRO...no problems in the last 9 years. IMO, you going backwards disconnecting the VRO system; which is quite simple. VRO Fuel-Oil Mixing Discription

very interesting reading, that one has been saved for future reference.

oldmonitor · 10-31-2005, 11:50 AM

I've never had a problem with my VRO ( 1989 ) , I wouldn't dream of mixing 140 gals of gas. Keep your VRO it will do a better job than you will. And what if you let someone use your boat will you trust them to fill a tank or mix gas? my wife could fill the VRO tank ,if I asked her to mix gas I know I would have a dead head