1991 Johnson 90 hp V4 fuel pump question.

[jmendoza]

Hello all,
My saltwater fishing buddy tells me his 90hp 1991 Johnson (VRO) won't run without squeezing the fuel bulb continually. He also tells me a 16 gauge wire came off the engine ( the crimp on ring terminal broke). This all happened after he changed the fuel filter with a new one, and he says fuel readily flows past the filter when he squeezes the bulb. My question is this: Do these VRO fuel pumps need electrical power to operate and pump fuel? There appears to be some wires going into the pump from the pictures I have seen of it.

Thanks for any help,

Jay.

[emdsapmgr]

The VRO type pumps are purely mechanical. They operate off vacuum pulses from the powerhead. The electrical wires relate to warning sensors. If you have to constantly prime the fuel hose bulb to get the engine to run full throttle, it is possible that the fuel pump is not working properly (weak) or that you have a fuel restriction.

[mekkamaz]

Check your inline filter near VRO..but sounds more like a fuel pump issue.

[jmendoza]

Thanks, I'll be checking it out Saturday.

BTW, what is the "primer solenoid" shown in the drawing? It's seems to be located down stream of the fuel pump. Is this actuated by the choke or ignition switch?

Thanks,

[emdsapmgr]

That engine has no choke butterflys. The primer solenoid is the modern replacement for the conventional choke. It is activated when the key is turned to run, and then pushed in. It will supply extra fuel to start the engine and also to keep it running for a minute when the engine is still cold.

[jmendoza]

Thanks!