Benefits of VRO bypass

Hi All

I have a 1989 Gt150 VRO that I am currently in the process of overhauling.

Today I removed the 3 carbs to give them a good cleanup and noticed the carbs and choke lines/pipes are a bit more 'oily' than I would prefer. Coupled with the carbon and oil deposits on the plugs I am starting to wonder if the VRO system is delivering the right mixture or is a bit rich and or inefficient in its oil supply.

I suspect it is the the original VRO unit so 26 years old and therefore not surprised if it is past its prime.

So I guess I have two choices, overhaul/replace the VRO or and as I have seen done before, bin the idea of a VRO and revert to a traditional tank based fuel oil mix where I can be certain of the mix and will hopefully reduce the amount of oil deposits on/around the carbs and choke lines.

It would be great if any of you could let me know the pros and cons of ditching the VRO.

I am a bit concerned about leaving 120 litres of fuel oil mix on the tank over the winter even with stabiliser as I prefer to leave the tank full after winterising to reduce the chance of condensation or maybe this is also not an issue.

Any way, any help and advice gratefully received.

I don't know if a rebuild kit is available for that year VRO or not... check with your dealership.

Pro: You're sure that the mixture is a 50/1 mixture with no danger of having the VRO and the warning system fail at the same time.

Con: You are responsible to make sure that the proper amount of 50/1 oil is added to whatever amount of gasoline is added to your tank.

Also, if loaning the boat to a friend, you will always wonder if he/she adds raw gasoline to your tank due to seeing the VRO insignia on the hood.

You are now running a 50/1 mixture at all rpms and have lost the variable setup

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(VRO Changeover Judgement Call)
(J. Reeves)

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.


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.


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.

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(VRO Pump Conversion To Straight Fuel Pump)
(J. Reeves)

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 (and fuel restriction warning if so equipped) by doing the following:

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.

2 - Trace the two wires from the oil tank to the engine, disconnect those two wires, then remove them and the oil tank.

3 - Mix the 50/1 oil in the proper amount with whatever quantity 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.

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.

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