Oil problem

[lewi]

Firstly apologies for a lack of posting on here (don't get out on the boat as much as I would like ) having said that, yesterday being one of the few chances I have had to get out to play the following fault occurred, the engine (a 12year old Johnson 40) would start, run a couple of minutes and then the 'no oil' light & buzzer would come on. Oil tank half full ( fresh oil) and all elec. connections appear ok, the primer bulb feels firm like the line is charged and there are no obvious reasons outwardly as to what is going on, various web searches take me to US sites where the debates are about the pro's & con's of removing the VRO system and using premixed fuel straight from the tank.
Any info, advice and or tips on the possible fault and solution would be most welcome.

 

[spannerman]

Sounds like the VRO has gone on strike and not showing any pressure, or its the oil level sensor in the tank saying the tank is empty, you can either replace it, or bypass it and mix the oil in the fuel like in old days.

 

[lewi]

the 'on strike' sounds more akin to the issue as the low oil level light is not showing, I assume tank mixing will be about 50:1
which is about norm for 2strokes (modern ones)

 

[tinkicker0]

Dont assume anything. Modern 2 strokes often run at 100:1.

If mixing oil in the tank you may have to up the size of the main jet to prevent a weak mixture.

 

[lewi]

good point, I think a visit to my local outboard dealer to try and shed some light on possible causes and cures
is the way forward, I do think that asking on here is always a good idea as there is a chance that someone
has encountered this problem before.

 

[omega2]

scrap the VRO, and premix in the tank, we did but not before the engine seized!!

 

[lewi]

wee up date, as advised on here the dealer said without question bypass the VRO, then pre mix
at 50:1 ratio, once again thanks for advice given