VRO/ Fuel pump help.

Bryan A. · #1 06-20-2005, 09:53 AM

I think the VRO/fuel pump is not pulling fuel from the tank(s) on my Whitewater. The motor will run to a point then stall out after a minute or two. I have been through the filter/water separator, cleared all the lines to the motor and replaced spark plugs. The motor is a 96' 200hp Ocean Pro. Anyone out there have any other suggestions to try or any experience rebuilding the VRO. The rebuild kit is about 25$ and I think it is a matter of replacing the Diaphrams in the pump. Any suggeations would be appreciated. Thanks for your time.

esoxesox · #2 06-20-2005, 07:36 PM

I have a '95 FastStrike that had a similar problem. It'd idle fine but at speed it'd run for a few minutes and then shut down, no warning chimes or anything. Mine would literally shut down and not struggle and then die so I'm not sure if you're seeing the same thing here. In the end, I needed to replace the power pack...a problem that these engines seems to have a particular reputation for. An outboard guy can run a test on your engine and tell you if the power pack is any good. If it needs to be replaced it'll run about $550...I've done it twice since I bought my rig. The last time the stator burned up and that blew the power pack. That wasn't too pretty.

esoxesox...

bigblockdock · #3 06-21-2005, 10:25 PM

Bryan, sounds like a fuel problem to me. Have you tried pumping the fuel line primer ball when she dies out. If its the fuel pump, pumping the ball would keep it running or you could hook up a pressure gauge between the pump and carbs with a "t" fitting to see what kind of pressure you have coming from the pump. Have you tried another remote tank? Maybe one of the valves in the primer ball is bad which would cause the motor to run out of fuel after a short period of time the same way as a bad fuel pump would act. You did not say if the motor starts back up or not after pumping the primer ball which would indicate a fuel problem. If it needs to sit awhile before it restarts it may be an ignition problem. To quick check the ignition system test for spark when it dies by using a spare good plug grounded to the engine and connecting a plug wire from the motor to it and crank the engine. Use an insulated holder to hold the plug/wire or you may get zapped!! Rebuilding the pump is not a bad job. Most kits contain a new diaphragm(s), gaskets and new one way valves. Hope this helps.

Bryan A. · #4 06-22-2005, 10:57 AM

Thanks Butch I have tried everything you mentioned short of the pressure guage. And yes I can keep it running whith the ball and when it stalls the ball does not suck down indicating a blockage. I noticed yesterday that after it stalls out if I drain the carbs the top two are empty which I think would also indicate the fuel pump. Any suggsestion would be appreciated, but I think I will bite the bullet and install a new VRO to the tune of 289$.

Bryan A. · #5 06-22-2005, 08:42 PM

For the sake of finding an answer to this problem in case anyone else has the same symptoms. I installed a new VRO/fuel pump today to the tune of 299$ from the local outboard shop and it seems to be runnig good. I tested the engine at various Rpm's in nuetral and in gear tied to the dock to about 2500. Engine runs strong and the ball stays hard. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I did not have time to go for a ride for the official test but I am very optomistic. I know I probably could have rebuilt the VRO with a kit for less money but the local shop said the kit is not availiable, yeah right. but I feel more comfortable with a new one because the VRO also provides lubrication. Hope this helps others with VRO problems.

PS the engine is a 93 not a 96 like I originally posted.

Billybob · #6 06-23-2005, 10:27 AM

Good luck Bryan, sounds like you nailed it.I went through the same thing on mine and got the runaround on the rebuild kits too.Some dealers said it was a liability issue and they can't sell them [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]
I ended up going with a non VRO pump (gas only)and mixing.

bigblockdock · #7 06-25-2005, 12:04 PM

Hey Bryan, Glad you found the problem and are back up and running. Some good information was learned from your experience. 299 is a chunk but it could have been worse. I had some ignition problems with my 200 GT and the tab for that was in excess of 600, just in parts. Sure hope my VRO lasts for awhile longer, my motor is an 88.

Bryan A. · #8 06-25-2005, 07:32 PM

Ran the boat today and she runs great. Picked up a few hundred RPM on WOT. She used to run about 5100 now she tops out around 5400. Also better running at low RPMs, she used to stall when idling sometimes, only stalled once today when I backed of the Rev to fast. I guess the VRO could have been slowely going and finally went. When I have time I will pull the old one apart and post my findings. I bet the new gas mixture with the higher Ethanol is eating away at the rubber diaphrams.