Johnson VRO 4, 90 HP, leaking fuel from the VRO pump assembly

B1gM1ke

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Jul 21, 2014
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I recently discovered that my outboard would not start after a long Ontario winter. Upon inspection I notice that there is no fuel getting to my cylinders. I also notice that when I squeeze the fuel bulb, fuel squirts out from the top of the fuel pump on the VRO pump. Worked great in the fall. I can't really afford to spend a lot on this boat as I am retired do to a disability and get by on a fixed income so my question is. Can the VRO fuel pump be disassembled and repaired? If not I am considering removing the VRO system completely so would need info on how to do that. Any suggestions out there? Thanks
 

B1gM1ke

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Jul 21, 2014
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Actually now that I look at it I believe that disconnecting the VRO will not stop my fuel leak as I guess I still need that pump to work. I tried to upload a picture showing exactly what is leaking but I get an upload error
 

B1gM1ke

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not a split hose. It is actually leaking gas out of the top of the squarish box that regulates the oil . fuel leaks out the top of that part
 

bonz_d

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Apr 22, 2008
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any idea why I cant upload a picture?

Easiest way is to use something like Photobucket. It's a free download and simple to use. This website doesn't like uploading pictures very well. Has to do with the program that runs this, not it's owners.
 

B1gM1ke

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Jul 21, 2014
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Here try this link to my picture please. The fuel squirts out rite where the arrows point
 

B1gM1ke

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ok I figured out how to post a picture. the fuel squirts out where the arrows point. I think that squarish part rite there is what regulates the amount of oil but it is leaking gas. any ideas why that would be?
 
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B1gM1ke

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Jul 21, 2014
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does anybody know the part number for a fuel only pump that I could put on here and eliminate this altogether? 1987 johnson vro4 90 hp. I am thinking that replacing the VRO parts will be much more costly than switching to fuel only pump and just using mixed gas
 

sumocomputers

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Feb 23, 2015
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does anybody know the part number for a fuel only pump that I could put on here and eliminate this altogether? 1987 johnson vro4 90 hp. I am thinking that replacing the VRO parts will be much more costly than switching to fuel only pump and just using mixed gas

Submit a request to MaxRules to see which pump you need.

http://www.maxrules.com/fixquickquoteform.html

The fuel-only pump for my '89 70 is only $80 (I disabled my VRO already and don't regret it). A VRO rebuild kit, which only repairs the fuel side is $145. A new VRO pump is around $450. I think the fuel-only pump makes a lot of sense, and might give you some extra room too.

http://www.maxrules.com/fixomcvro.html
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
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36,287
Look it up for an 88 hp model of your motor.----------Fuel pump will mount directly to the intake manifold with a gasket.--The spot to mount it is there with a plug in it now for the pulse port.----Where in Ontario are you ?
 

bob johnson

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Feb 25, 2009
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picture is useless for me.... its all black and blurry.... I still think it might be something simple as a gasket....even one you could cut yourself!! for .50 cents!!

of course for all those that blame the VRO pumps for all their troubles...going with a new fuel only pump, will be peace of mind!!!

bob
 

B1gM1ke

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Racerone, I am in Thessalon which is about an hour east of Sault Ste. Marie, and thank you for the info. Bob, I do plan on trying to take it apart to see if it indeed is just a gasket issue. Heres hoping so because I would prefer to keep the VRO if I can.
 

B1gM1ke

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Racerone, where would you suggest I look up the pump for an 88hp model of my engine?
 

sumocomputers

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Feb 23, 2015
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picture is useless for me.... its all black and blurry.... I still think it might be something simple as a gasket....even one you could cut yourself!! for .50 cents!!

of course for all those that blame the VRO pumps for all their troubles...going with a new fuel only pump, will be peace of mind!!!

bob

I certainly would never blame the poor but reliable VRO pump for all my troubles, because she is disconnected! But yeah, a lot of people are quick to blame the VRO. I guess my problem is that you have a single part performing 2 functions, and they made it damn expensive. And not cheap to rebuild the fuel side, and almost impossible to rebuild the oil side.

Here is the thing when I read articles or posts on how reliable the VRO system is: It's reliable, right up until it decides to quit working. And unless all your other sensors are working correctly, you may not know. Premix pretty much ensures that you will never have a lack of lubrication, at the cost of not being able to vary the oil to fuel ratio. I'm fine with changing plugs more often, others prefer to keep the VRO; I don't judge. Whatever works for you, as long you feel good about it.

But yeah, I am going with a fuel only pump at some point soon, mainly because they are smaller & cheaper, but more importantly, you can rebuild them very, very cheap! And there is more room for me to get at stuff like my fuel filter.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
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Drove through Thessalon a couple of times last summer.---Many places where you can look up parts for the 88 hp models.---The 88 did not come with VRO and had the simple fuel pump.---Try------shop.****rude.com-------As it is all there.----Put the proper letters in there instead of the *
 

B1gM1ke

Seaman Apprentice
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Jul 21, 2014
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@ Racerone, 0398387 FUEL PUMP ASSY. is the pump for the 88hp, how sure are you that this will fit my boat because I am hoping you are very sure as this is a much cheaper fix assuming that I can't just fix a gasket or two to solve the problem.
 

B1gM1ke

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Jul 21, 2014
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Hey thanks for everyones help. My problem is solved. Seems the diaphragm in the fuel pump dried out and shrunk. Once I got some fuel into it and let it sit a couple days the leak stopped and we are all good. Thanks again everyone
 
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