1988 Johnson 140s VRO and plug advice
 

Hey guys,
I got a new to me Wellcraft (25 Coastal...) to add to the fleet and she's got twin '88 Johnson 140s. Motors have 600 original hours and run excellent.
However, engineer in me still wants to do a full tuneup.
These are my first engines with oil injection - My question is for the guys that still run the VRO system, would you recommend any maintenance on the VRO systems? The lines and tanks look new and clean.
Also looking for recommendations/experience on what brand of plugs to use?
THANKS!
MJK

Champion QL77JC4 plugs, and ditch the VRO. The OMC VRO system is one system I would NEVER trust.

Thank you for the plug recommendation! The motors have NGK plugs at the moment, I will replace with the Champions.

I'm definitely going to keep the VRO. 1988 was the VRO2 system which is very reliable - I was just interested to hear what/if any p.m. on the systems would be beneficial, should I replace lines or bulb, flush, etc.

Heres a good article on the VRO systems!

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VRO.html

I'd be careful about trusting a 25 year old oil injection system to decide not to die on me as I'm turning 5000 rpms.

Not to mention the low oil/no oil alarm.

Hmm well..I prefer the (i think Reagan?) quote that says "trust, but verify".
I've replaced both fuel/vro pumps. These are the new 4-wire pumps with constant 50:1 w/Systemcheck no oil flow and low oil alarms. Removed and cleaned each tank and installed new inlet filters. Replaced primer bulbs and lined, primed and marked each tank. So far it seems each engine uses nearly the exact same amount of oil.
^Said VRO maintenance was not cheap..but neither is peace of mind. Having redone the systems myself...I expect them to work perfectly!

As is apparent by craigslist searching..the usual death of 2-stroke OBs are infrequent use leading to carb or cylinder gunk leading to 1 or 2 cylinder death. So this will be an "unofficial" vro test ;)

so the new system delivers constant 50:1, no matter what the rpm?
whats the advantage over mixing 50:1 in the tank?

edit: maybe it delivers the oil downstream of the carbs? not being critical , just wondering

As far as I know, ALL VRO systems vary the oil ratio from idle to running under load. That is the whole point behind the VRO, VARIABLE ratio oiling. Early systems varied the oil and would run 100:1 at idle(which is fine), but they would only go to the 50-75:1 range at mid range RPM's which caused a lot of issues. For awhile they tried running 40:1 to help save some engines, but this was a double edge sword as it ended up with soot build up in the rings from the excess oil. I pre-mix them at 50:1, and rejet accordingly. After jetting they don't smoke much at idle(even extended trolling), and you know the oil is getting to it. Also be VERY watchful with VRO and air leaks in the fuel system. Even a small air leak in the fuel line going to the engine will cause it to over oil DRASTICALLY!

that's why i ask , if it delivers a constant 50:1, why bother.

I sincerely wish you all the best w/the VROs...I've had a standing rule since mid 80s...if it ain't covered by a warranty, the VRO's gotta go...and have had numerous OMC techs affirm that a best move...If anybody can stay on top of them, I know you can...but there are many levels on which these systems fail...and I've heard them all...failed alarms, gummed up intakes and on and on...
I REELY hope they don't let ya down, but the numbers aren't in your favor...same goes for Merc auto-oilers, too...


How's yer V20 comin' along??...

VRO= Very Rarely Operates