Hi - I have a 1998 175hp Johnson looper. I am having trouble chasing down a stalling issue. When I put the engine in gear, at the lowest rpms it sputters and dies. Pumping the ball helps so I think it was the VRO. I had an older VRO sitting around from another engine (1992) and I swapped it out this morning and tested it. It seems to be running better and does not die when put in gear. However, I am now hearing a clicking sound. A mechanic friend of mine said when a VRO fails it will make noise like that Does this sound like what's happening? I already ordered a rebuild kit for the vro I pulled out and will have it put back in by Thursday.
Another note - the "no oil" alarm came on when I started it up this morning, but after pumping the oil ball more and restarting it went away. It was definitely getting oil, or at least it seemed to be based off the amount of white smoke in the exhaust. The temps on the heads were also good. 150deg or less. Compression was good at the beginning of the year but haven't tested lately. It starts right up on the first turn of the key so I think it is still good.
Another note - the "no oil" alarm came on when I started it up this morning, but after pumping the oil ball more and restarting it went away. It was definitely getting oil, or at least it seemed to be based off the amount of white smoke in the exhaust. The temps on the heads were also good. 150deg or less. Compression was good at the beginning of the year but haven't tested lately. It starts right up on the first turn of the key so I think it is still good.
