Oil leaking from 2004 VRO pump?

[Salmonseeker]

I have noticed 2 stroke oil leaking from my motor. It seems like it is leaking from the VRO pump or the Carbs. It then runs down the motor housing and into the shaft that attaches the motor to the motor mount.(The shaft that allows the motor to swivel left and right, not sure what the name of this part is.) The oil then seeps out and runs down the lower outside casing of the motor.

This is most noticeable when the boat is not used for a few weeks. The motor is stored in the down position on the trailer. It is definatelly 2-stroke oil leaking out.

Any ideas what would cause this? One guy told me that Oil leaks into the carbs on later model VRO's between trips.
Is this true? what are the reason's for this?(If it is true.)

Thanks in advance, Jay

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Oil leaking from 2004 VRO pump?

Identifying the source is as simple as feeling the pump. If its leaking oil you will get it on your fingers. If its coming out of the carbs, it would be due to the inlet needle and seat not sealing properly and it would be mixed with fuel. Since the oil resevoir is lower than the carbs, it's not likely that a siphon action is occuring. You should check for leaky oil lines as well. If the engine is stored in the down (vertical) position I doubt oil is coming from the carbs.

 

[Salmonseeker]

Re: Oil leaking from 2004 VRO pump?

I don't think finding the leak should be a big issue. It is a very tight squeze in there. I think I would have to begin removing things to narrow it down. I want to avoid that if this is a normal condition. I can't really find a leak with my finger since it is not leaking now. It is just 2 stroke oil with no gas mixed in it.

It only leaks for a short period after the motor has been shut down. Once I wipe off the oil on the outside of the motor. It will not return until I use the motor again and then let it sit for a few weeks or so. Then I notice the oil. I don't believe it leaks all the time. It is almost like the oil is released to relieve the pressure in the system. The boat is stored away for the winter, so now would be a good time to fix this if it is an issue.

I have been told by one person that newer VRO's leak oil between trips. I just have a hard time believing that. I really just want to confirm if this is true?. I don't want to start ripping things apart only to find out that this is a normal fault in the VRO.

Jay

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Oil leaking from 2004 VRO pump?

No -- its not normal. But I urge you to find this leak because if "all" of the oil required for lubrication is not making it into the engine, the engine can be damaged. What engine are we talking about? All you indicated was that is was a 2004. With the cover off and a bright trouble light or flashlight you should be able to identifiy the source of the leak. As I said, straight oil should not be coming from the carbs. If it did there would be at least a little fuel mixed with it.

 

[Salmonseeker]

Re: Oil leaking from 2004 VRO pump?

Thanks Silvertip,

Sorry, its a 2004 Johnson 50hp 2-stroke.
I will try to find the source of the leak before next season. I believe it is either the pump or the hoses around the pump.

I just wanted to make sure that this is not a normal condition. I also wondered if anyone else has had this problem.

It has done this ever since new. I have only used it for 2 seasons and purchased it new.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Oil leaking from 2004 VRO pump?

The pump is looking right at you (port side) when you remove the engine cover. Check the oil line connection where it enters the engine, and the line from there to the pump, and the outlet line and fittings.

 

[Salmonseeker]

Re: Oil leaking from 2004 VRO pump?

I just took a look to try and find the leak. I cannot feel or see a leak anywhere. I will need to take it apart to investigate further. I tried squezing the Oil primer bulb. When I did this I could hear a hissing noise coming from the pump. This happened for about 5 small pumps then the bulb firmed up and I could not pump it anymore. I still could not see a leak.

I did notice a new problem though. The vacuum line that attaches to the top of the lower carb(edit: I think it is the primer line) has almost wore right through. Where it rests against the VRO pump. If it is not wore through yet it will be by next year. It looks very close. I will have to remove some parts to get at this. I will then take a closer look and try to find the other leak.

I have ordered a Genuine Johnson repair manual for my motor. It should arrive next week. This should help me out a bit.

Jay

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Oil leaking from 2004 VRO pump?

On the smaller motors, removing the starter gives you better access and is a necessity to work on the pump..

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Oil leaking from 2004 VRO pump?

Take off the air box if space is a problem. You can run the motor and the pump is looking right at you. Shouldn't be necessary to do either to if all that's necessary is to see if the pump is leaking. But I agree that it is necessary if you need to replace any hoses or work on the pump.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Oil leaking from 2004 VRO pump?

So yes, if you are just going to look at it, then remove nothing. But if you actually intend to repair it, then you may want to remove a few items to access it. While it's true that the pump will be looking right at you with the air silencer off, it can be a bear to get to the lines without some dismantling. It also affords a better view of the fuel lines to the carbs (Especially the bottom one)...And by the way, it is not normal for it to leak, so best to take care of it...

 

[Salmonseeker]

Re: Oil leaking from 2004 VRO pump?

Thanks guys.

I do intend to fix the problem myself. I have ordered a manual to help me. Rick you are right about the lines on the pump. They are a pain to get at. I will have to remove some parts to get at them. I will start with the silencer. That should give me a better view of where the leak is coming from.

Jay