Logo
FULL SITE MENU

Testing "low oil" alarm

F

FarmerSid

New member
I'm testing the alarms in a new to me 1985 Evinrude 120 with VRO2 pump. I grounded the tan wire to the heads and got the alarm to go off. It chirps when I turn the key on as well. Can I not just lift the oil pick up unit out of the 1.8 gal reservoir to see if the low oil alarm goes off without emptying the tank> It's right full. How long does it take for the alarm to go off? Does the motor need to be running to test?

Thanks!
 
Yes. As long as you're there replace the filter as well. That model mtr shouldn't have to be running. Key on only. Should get a beep every 20 seconds or so. Make sure the float drops all the way down.
 
Last edited:
You should be concerned about the VRO pump injecting the right amount of oil.----------------If it is not pumping then the oil tank stays full and definitely no alarm.----------------So hook the motor up to a tank of 50:1 mix. Put a temporary loop of clear hose on the suction side of the oil on the VRO and see if it uses the specified amount of oil at a fast idle.
 
To check for a "no oil" hook your 50:1 fuel system up, disconnect the oil line at the vro and start it up and let it run. When you hear the "no oil" alarm (beep every 2 seconds), hook up the oil line with the mtr still running without hitting the oil primer bulb and let it run till the alarm goes off. This will tell you if the vro alarm is working and it's pumping oil. I've had them take 5 to10 minuets to do this, but if it's running on 50:1 fuel don't worry. There is a test procedure in the OEM manual using a clear plastic tube marked off, held in the upright position to check for oil consumption.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for all the replies! I appreciate the help. I do have an external fuel tank hooked up mixed to 50:1 right now and have been using that to get the engine running again as it has sat for 3 yrs or so. The on board 14 gal fuel tank has not been used for some time as far as I can tell. The fuel gauge sending unit was bad and the wires to it were removed all the way to the gauge. Got that all fixed up but trying to figure out the best way to flush/clean out the on board tank. Any idea's? The alarm/buzzer does chirp when I turn the key on. I grounded the tan wires to the heads and both set off the alarm. So I know that alarm works. Now my next step is to test the "low oil" in reservoir and "no oil" at VRO2. Do I have to disconnect the oil line to the VRO2 or can I just pinch it off with some vise grips? I can't seem to figure out the float on the oil sending unit. How does it work? I have a service manual on the way but won't be here for a week or so and I need to test this boat out so I can tell the current owner if i'm going to take it or not. Can't leave him hanging for to long.


VRO oil tank.png
 
The round thingee in the oil tank pick up that moves up & down is the float. Put it at the very bottom of it's travel, then check the alarm. If you pinch off the oil line to the vro with vice grips the mtr will just have to run longer to get the alarm to go off.
 
Back
Top