Initial Launch

[FreeBeeTony]

Launching my new-to-me '95 268 Grady w/ Twin '95 175 Johnson's for the 1st time tomorrow.​

I have rebuilt all 12 carbs, replaced filters, thermostats, gear oil, rectifiers, batteries, tachometers and probably something else I can't remember.​

I have been an I/O guy for the past 20+ years. ​

The motors still have the VRO's connected......figured they've been working for the past 24yrs, why not leave them alone.​

The motors seem to run pretty well, won't really know until under load.​

My concern is actually the VRO's.....how can I be sure they are working properly? The port engine seems to smoke a little bit more than the stb.....no alarms and horns have been verified by inducing a over temp condition by shorting out the sensor wire.​

Compression has been checked....between 80-90.​

Any words of advice before my initial launch?​

Thanks in advance...​

 

[flyingscott]

Mix your tank at 50-1 and make sure the level is dropping in the oil tanks. Or run the specified tests on the VRO pumps. At 24 yrs old I would be replacing or eliminating the VRO pump oil sides and going to pre-mix.

 

[jakedaawg]

Yes, agree except I would just test and make sure they sound alarm. At least out a mark on each oil tank and run on premix until you see level drop an inch or so. I would also replace oil tank caps as preventive maintenance.

 

[dingbat]

Compression is low. My low cylinder is 96. The rest are 100-101

Did you service the oil system? At a minimum,
drain and clean the oil tanks, inspect oils lines from tank to motor, replace filter in tank, etc.

Found significant buildup in low spots (routing) of the hoses and the general overall condition of the hose was poor. If the hose is not soft and flexible it should be replaced. In reality, should replace tanks and oil lines if OEM.

Have the fill hoses to the fuel tank been replaced yet? Known problem area. It’s not if, it’s when.

I would highly recommend replacing all fuel lines while your at it. My lines where hard as rocks when replaced after 10 years.

If the thru hulls are OEM, they need to be changed as well. Every single thru hull on my boat showed signs of failure before age 10. Removed (broke) a number of then by hand. Scupper drains included. All replaced with stainless

Prefixing 94 gallons of fuel every couple of days suxs

I found Evinrude XD 50, Merc Premium Plus and Pennzoil Premium Plus burn best in my engine. Little smoke. Doesn’t load up nearly as bad while trolling

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Launched the boat this morning.......took the advice and added oil to fuel in addition to the VRO as a precautionary measure.
Launch went well.....very surprised at the low end torque of the engines......literally jumped up on plane!
Heard 1 beep while engines were warming up.....then quiet. Short ride from ramp to slip......hope to get out later for a better ride.......going to head down to the slip and set the lines!

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Confirmed the VRO operation using "the clear tube test"..
Guess I need to run them...........