Are the 1988 Johnson vro oil injection system dependable?

The following link may help you decide. It is a discussion of Variable Ratio Oiler vs Premix oil and fuel.
There are arguments on both sides that you should read.

https://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/7389-oil-injection-premix-outboard.html


This person likes the VRO, but has a list of maintenance requirements to keep it working well. With a 17 year old engine There are a lot of points of failure that need to be considered. If the VRO fails the engine self destructs.

Keep your VRO.

The Trailer Boats Magazine article in Feb 2000 has lots of good tips to keep your VRO running. Here is a short summary:

Sediment and/or water can build up on the bottom of the oil tank. Draw a sample from the bottom with a turkey baster and squirt it into a jar. If it lookt like you have water and/or dirt, remove and drain the tank. Clean throughly, replace filter and purge/replace the oil line. This sounds like a good thing to do annually.

Replace clear oil cap with black (#176217)

Inspect all oil lines carefully ! If oil lines are more than a few years old (or are smooth vinyl) replace with 1/4" ID rubber (#333485). Avoid tie wraps and worm gear clamps in favor of OEM rachet clamps (#333654).

Inspect all vaccuum lines carefully !! If more than a few years old, replace them.

Inspect all fuel lines carefully !! Clogged filters, anti-siphon valves, kinked lines will cause problems.

Install blue pulse limiter (#435009) to protect VRO from backfires.

Don't run carbs dry as you will suck in too much oil !

There are lots more tips that are model year specific, so go to your local library.

Agree

There's a download service manual for $7.99 at http://eu.selffixer.com/outboard.motors/Johnson.evinrude/1995-Johnson-vro-70-manual.htm If this isn't late enough dig about a bit more.

Try google Johnson vro pump images

Have a mix of 1.5%.
Disconnect and plug the oil pump connections at the VRO.
Unplug the wiring at the VRO.
Disconnect the VRO and tank alarms.

Any tcw3 two stroke oil . I am a marine mechanic and I would recommend disconnecting the vro which is the oil injection. Just disconnect the oil line and then mix the oil in the gas 50 to 1. The vro is known for going out and taking your motor with it

If you are having problems with the VRO then I would just remove or disable it and mix your own fuel. It is cheaper and there have been alot of problems with those going out while the engine is running and then they sieze their engine because of the faulty VRO. Mix your fuel 50:1 and you will be able to run all day!