1985 Johnson 235hp. VRO or not to VRO? That is the question.

[Woodeneye]

I'm looking for learned opinions on wether or not I should disconnect the VRO on the recently acquired motor above. Apparently the VRO is all there, so I'm assuming it all works and is original (its in MA and I'm in Australia, so its hard to say for sure) and the mechanic is about to give it the once over. We will be there in 3 weeks to start using it.
I've read that the original VRO systems were a bit quirky but essentially ok. I'm getting pressure to disconnect the whole thing and premix.

Thoughts?

If it transpires that the original VRO is operational would it be worth upgrading to the VRO2 system?

I'm assuming that  model (original VRO) would have a low oil/no oil alarm?

[Capt. Bob]

Here in the US, the VRO1 models were recalled and replaced along with the filter in the oil tank reservoir. I had an 85 115 with the original pump. The recall happened later that year or early 86.  <!-- s:scratch: --><!-- s:scratch: -->
Still you would need to identify the pump on your motor to be sure. Not sure of the replacement cost. You also may want (if you don't have), the system check gauge that was used in addition to the alarm.

I can't tell you that the original owner of that motor had that done but assuming he did, IMHO there is no need to remove VRO system.
There are varying opinions to this but a lot of the "fear" of OMC's VRO system were culled from their early failures when it first arrived.
After the issuance of the VRO2, those fears became mostly rumors but like anything made by humans, it is subject to failure. Thing is, the system doesn't require much babysitting. Impellers and thermostats require much, much more so......

Here's a spirited debate to help your decision process.
http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=6458.0

And yet another opinion on the leave it/remove it theory.
<!-- m -->http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VRO.html<!-- m -->

Let's face it. Two cycle tech has pretty much maxed itself out and has greatly reduced the oil that ends up in the environment but.....
It still gets in so....
Premixing just adds that much more. It's only a matter of time till the only outboards/inboard engines allowed in water are electric.

Good luck.

[Woodeneye]

Here in the US, the VRO1 models were recalled and replaced along with the filter in the oil tank reservoir. I had an 85 115 with the original pump. The recall happened later that year or early 86.  
Still you would need to identify the pump on your motor to be sure. Not sure of the replacement cost. You also may want (if you don't have), the system check gauge that was used in addition to the alarm.

I can't tell you that the original owner of that motor had that done but assuming he did, IMHO there is no need to remove VRO system.
There are varying opinions to this but a lot of the "fear" of OMC's VRO system were culled from their early failures when it first arrived.
After the issuance of the VRO2, those fears became mostly rumors but like anything made by humans, it is subject to failure. Thing is, the system doesn't require much babysitting. Impellers and thermostats require much, much more so......

Here's a spirited debate to help your decision process.
viewtopic.php?p=45711#p45711

And yet another opinion on the leave it/remove it theory.
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VRO.html

Let's face it. Two cycle tech has pretty much maxed itself out and has greatly reduced the oil that ends up in the environment but.....
It still gets in so....
Premixing just adds that much more. It's only a matter of time till the only outboards/inboard engines allowed in water are electric.

Good luck.

You are a font of knowledge as usual Capn' Bob. So if the Original Owner had the VRO replaced we would be pretty safe? Is there a physical way to identify if this has in fact been done?

[Capt. Bob]

If I recall, the second link describes the way to recognize the various models.

[Woodeneye]

If I recall, the second link describes the way to recognize the various models.

Straight from that thread: The original VRO from 1984 and 1985 had a black fuel outlet fitting and no wiring. OMS pumps have a blue/gray outlet nipple or a blue/gray pulse nipple, or a black fitting held in place by an oval metal bracket and two Torx headed screws.

Is it that simple? Anyone have first hand experience with identifying a "upgraded" VRO unit?

[Capt. Bob]

Is it that simple? Anyone have first hand experience with identifying a "upgraded" VRO unit?

I'd say yes.
It's been over 28 years since I swapped out VROs so I looked at an exploded view of an 85 motor with the first gen VRO and then an 86 and then a 91 model showing the VRO2.

The difference between the pumps may be hard to distinguish from the molding but the wire harness is clearly visible on the 86 and 91  but is not on the 85. I would suggest you view these diagrams (available at most part suppliers) to help with the ID process.

Here's some to get you started.
85
http://www.marineengine.com/parts/johns ... n=Vro+Pump

86
http://www.marineengine.com/parts/johns ... n=Vro+Pump

91
http://www.marineengine.com/parts/johns ... =Vro2+Pump


Lastly, post some pics of the pump of your motor and hopefully the true piston heads will respond.

Good luck.

[Georgie]

To be safe, lets not guess. find a part number on the housing of your VRO (and any other part numbers you can find on the unit itself) and we can cross-reference w/schematics. The part numbers will be 7 digits (or if you find 6 digit numbers then those are all preceded by a zero).  If it turns out to be generation 1, switch to pre-mix or upgrade to generation 2.  If generation 2, then I'd run the pi$$ outta it.  

[Woodeneye]

Great stuff. Thank you all (he says as he trundles forward with renewed confidence).

[futch13]

Original VRO pumps had 3 wires coming out of the pump, new style has 4 wires.  The fuel outlet nipple is also replacable on the new pumps, not cast into the body like the old style pump.

[Woodeneye]

Original VRO pumps had 3 wires coming out of the pump, new style has 4 wires.  The fuel outlet nipple is also replacable on the new pumps, not cast into the body like the old style pump.

Thanks Futch. Wonderful info.

[futch13]

  Good luck with the purchase