VRO on 40 hp evinrude

[Dave Muniz]

Want opinions.



I have a 1993 40hp evinrude with VRO on my '93 Tournament TX-17. I bought this rig used in '97 and I believe it had very little maintenance by the previous owner. I have done all the right things since I have owned it and it has run flawlessly. The motor has also seen very low hours of operation the last couple of years (maybe 5-10 hours total) due to a move into a new house/prepare old house for market and sale/lots of lanscaping of new house to keep wife happy!



The few times I did take the boat out last season it smoked terribly at startup until it got running, but was then fine.



My boat is also stored outside for the first time (used to be able to fit in garage at old house but not at the new house).



My concern is for the now 10 yr. old VRO pump. Are these rubber diaphrams vulnerable to dry rot? I have been told(by my mechanic) that even though fuel and oil are using the same diaphram I could loose the oil side and the fuel side will still work. Causing a low oil/no oil situation(bad, i know). They wany around $200 just for the pump not including labor.



I just don't have the money for that, need a water pump and my prop repaired or replaced first. So finally my question.



Should I trust the VRO or should I disconnect it and mix my oil and gas.



Everybody discuss.



damuniz

 

[Frank Daniel]

I have a 1991 GT150. The VRO is original. It smokes quite a bit when cold and clears out when warm. My boat was stored outside for the first 3 years and garaged since then. I'm not about to fix something that's still in working order. I don't have that kind of money.

For safety, always carry a gallon of oil in the boat. If the VRO quits working you can add oil to the gas tank to get you back to the ramp. It beats paddling when the TM batteries run out.

Frank

 

[Frank Daniel]

Stupid fat fingers double posted.