Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by petemarkey on 05/03/07 - 6:28 AM

I am going to start my new to me 2.6L OMC sea drive this weekend for the first time in what probably is a long time.

How do I tell if the VRO pump is putting enough/any oil into the engine.

Also, anyone know what type of oil, how much to use if I premix just to be careful?

thanks.

Posted by Pete on 05/03/07 - 7:32 AM

Hello, I'm in the same boat................... I dont know the tech or specs on you motor for oil etc.
I do know a presure test is done for any leaks in the oiler. I dont know how to do this. I had it done at a shop.
I will run a seperate 6 gal portable tank with a 50:1 mixture to my engine. I will also use the VRO. If all is working I will run rich and deal with that after I know the oiler works. I'll mark the VRO oil tank oil level with a piece of tape and make sure I'm using oil to the engine. I'f the level in the tank goes down after running my pre mix, I'll run with my straight gas / VRO setup.

Pete

Posted by Jeff on 05/03/07 - 7:55 AM

Guys,

There is no better way to find out if the VRO is drawing oil than marking the level on your oil tank, use the boat for a day, and recheck. If the oil has dropped it is working. So long as you are using the correct OMC Hose clamps and they are tight on the oil lines you should have no problems. The VRO pump either works or it does'nt.

I would not premix for a such a large outboard for a couple reasons. If you premix you will be running 50:1 all the time and it will smoke like crazy at idle. The VRO at idle uses much less oil. Also if you start over mixing the oil in the tank and continue that over the years next thing you now you are now at..who knows...30:1 and you are fouling out plugs left and right. Until you run that tank completely dry there is no other way to balance the mixture back out for certain. You would just be guessing.

Truly the VRO system is a great one so long as you keep into up to date and you keep your OMC hose clamps tight. BRP just released back in Dec 06 the latest addition in the VRO pumps. It is rated for high ethanol use and would be a good thing to just have installed for piece of mind. The part is $275 plus labor. You will need to premix the first tank of fuel after the new pump is installed. Mark your tank and if it shows it is drawing oil you can stop premixing.

Edited by Jeff on 05/03/07 - 7:57 AM

Posted by Pete on 05/03/07 - 9:48 AM

Thanks Jeff, Did I get the tape on the VRO tank from you ?..... Anyway...

I did not think of ethanol and my VRO pump. Should I be concerned? I dont know if my pump is original but it has 2 wire which I believe is old.

Well, I guess for $275 + labor I should just replace it.

Pete