86 Johnson 110 V4 VRO Gas/oil mix

[terrence7041]

I just bought an older boat with a 86 Johnson 110 V4 VRO outboard. I did some research (mostly here great resource!) and found that the VRO is an oil fuel mixer. The PO noted the original owner pulled out the permanent tank and had portables installed. What I guess should be the oil line (running along the fuel line tied together) leads to a point in the deck where it's been cut off. The PO said he only runs gas in it and has had it for several years with no issues. It starts up fine with no issues for me, but, it has 2 full 6 gallon tanks. What can I do to check the gas to see if it was mixed. If not I plan on pouring about a gallon from each into my truck to properly mix them.

 

[flyingscott]

Cut the oil line off close to the motor and plug it off. The gas mix is 50-1

 

[oldboat1]

^^agree. I think you need more info from the PO. Did he try to disable the VRO? If the VRO failed, that's something you would like to know -- any effects on operation. If the VRO was disabled, the oil line is typically plugged at the motor, and the harness will be removed (oil tank may or may not be in place). The oil is then added/premixed in the gas tanks. The ratio is 50:1, as indicated, contrary to what you might hear or read.

After getting clear about the existing system, I would be inclined to burn the gas in my truck anyway. Mix it with gas in the truck tank. Start over with fresh gas in the boat.

 

[CaptnKingfisher]

I agree with fresh gas oil mix for the boat, what scares me is the vro is disabled and the old owner claims to have only run gas in it? Straight gas? Hopefully no damage has been done

 

[cfauvel]

yeah very scary....also if the VRO's oil inlet was not plugged it would suck air into the gas chamber of the VRO, not good....oil inlet needs to be plugged if premixing.