Should I remove my VRO 2004 50HP Johnson

Salmonseeker

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 11, 2005
Messages
298
Hi everyone, I have read posts about doing away with the VRO system and premixing. I want to know why is this done. I am told it will decrease many problems in the future. Any help would be greatly appreciated.<br />Thanks in adavance Jason :confused:
 

rolmops

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
5,671
Re: Should I remove my VRO 2004 50HP Johnson

If you are good with mixing the fuel,I would replace the VRO with a regular pump.The VRO is just another thing that can go wrong.I really like to keep my engines simple and idiot proof.(the idiot being yours truly)
 

Jquest

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 16, 2004
Messages
278
Re: Should I remove my VRO 2004 50HP Johnson

Do a search on "vro removing". There are a ton of threads. There is also something in the fAQ section I believe. <br />I also did just as rolmops said. I had a vro and removed it about a year back aswell. pretty simple. You can also get the manual for you're engine. it explains it in there as well.
 

david18

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 22, 2005
Messages
35
Re: Should I remove my VRO 2004 50HP Johnson

Its been said here before but I'll say it again...there is no reason to remove the VRO! If there are no warning horns going off leave it alone. More engines are lost due to water pump failure than VRO failure. They are dependable and you will use far less oil. Just my 2 cents.
 

seahorse5

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
4,698
Re: Should I remove my VRO 2004 50HP Johnson

On the top right of this page, click on BOATING FORUMS, then click on FAQ, then section F.<br /><br />You will read the truth about "VRO" and not the uninformed rantings and ravings of others. Then after reading the article, decide whether you want to disconnect it or not.
 

umblecumbuz

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 25, 2004
Messages
1,062
Re: Should I remove my VRO 2004 50HP Johnson

That's a great article. First thing I did after reading it was go and check everything on my VRO and compare with the article descriptions.<br /><br />Jason - if you want to confirm your VRO's capabilities, just mark the tank level before and after each trip. You can even work out the approx fuel/oil ratio by comparing the difference with the gas you've used.
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Should I remove my VRO 2004 50HP Johnson

(VRO Changeover Judgement Call) <br />(J. Reeves)<br /> <br /> The VROs first came out in 1984 and have been upgraded quite a few times. In my opinion, back around 1988, they had perfected them but I think that they were upgraded even more since then. As long as the warning system is operating as it should, I feel quite at ease with them.<br /><br />Some boaters have voiced their thoughts such as "What if that overpriced plastic horn should fail while I'm under way for some reason, and the VRO decides to fail five minutes later?" Obviously that would result in a big problem which really brings their fears into view.<br /><br />The word "ease" is the key word though. If one has the slightest feeling of being ill at ease with that setup, then they should take the route they feel more at ease with. A judgement call each individual would need to make on their own.<br /><br />********************<br />(VRO Pump Conversion To Straight Fuel Pump)<br />(J. Reeves)<br /><br />You can convert the VRO pump into a straight fuel pump, eliminating the oil tank and VRO pump warning system, but retain the overheat warning setup by doing the following:<br /><br />1 - Cut and plug the oil line at the engine so that the oil side of the VRO pump will not draw air into its system. Trace the wires from the back of the VRO to its rubber plug (electrical plug) and disconnect it.<br /><br />2 - Trace the two wires from the oil tank to the engine, disconnect those two wires, then remove them and the oil tank.<br /><br />3 - Mix the 50/1 oil in the proper amount with whatever quanity fuel you have. Disconnect the fuel line at the engine. Pump the fuel primer bulb until fuel exits that hose with the tint of whatever oil you used. Reconnect the fuel hose.<br /><br />That's it. If you want to test the heat warning system to ease your mind, have the key in the on position, then ground out the tan heat sensor wire that you'll find protruding from the cylinder head. The warning horn should sound off.
 

Salmonseeker

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 11, 2005
Messages
298
Re: Should I remove my VRO 2004 50HP Johnson

Thanks for all the info guys, I read the article and took the boat out today. I think I will leave the VRO alone. My only concern was the smoke and odour at trolling speed. I guess thats what you get with a 2 stroke. When the wind blows the exhaust in the boat its very bothersome. Someone told me its the VRO. I don't believe it is, probally just normal 2 stroke exhaust.<br />Thanks Jason
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: Should I remove my VRO 2004 50HP Johnson

Jason....you might try a synthetic blend or all syntehetic oil. This will cut down on the smoke. Also, making sure the ignition system is in top shape and spark plugs are good will also help with the smoke problem.
 

seahorse5

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
4,698
Re: Should I remove my VRO 2004 50HP Johnson

The Johnson/Evinrude XD-50 oil, formerly known as FICHT Ram oil, is a semi-synthetic that has very little smoke output in the exhaust.<br /><br />I use it in my '91 150 and when trolling, the motor hardly has any smoke come out of the exhaust relief holes.
 

Salmonseeker

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 11, 2005
Messages
298
Re: Should I remove my VRO 2004 50HP Johnson

Thanks guys I will try to synthetic oil next time I fill the oil resevoir. I just hate the idea of paying so much for it. The oil they recomend for my motor (XD-100) I believe costs like $60 a gallon, in Canada anyway. I guess if it makes me happy its worth it.<br />JASON
 
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