Boat Question

[CATCHMAN]

I have a 12 year old boat with the automatic oil pump. A friend recommended that I disconnect it and manually mix the gas. Pump works fine as far as I know, but he says it's not worth the risks of going oilless. The boat is a Lowe and the motor is a 120HP Evinrude. Is this a difficult process? Also not sure how big the gas tank is. I have put close to 30 gallons in previously. emoScratch

 

[SNUFFY]

IT`S A PINT TO SIX GALLONS ...AND I SLEEP BETTER AT NITE.....THE OLD VRO PUMPS WERE PRONE TO FAILURE AND USUALLY NO WARNING HORN TILL IT`S TOO LATE.... I LET MY MECHANIC DO THE CHANGEOVER JUST TO MAKE SURE IT WAS DONE RIGHT...IT DOESN`T INVOLVE MUCH WORK SO IT SHOULDN`T COST MUCH

 

[EricM]

Have a mechanic change it. I run a 1985 Johnson 140 and had to rebuild it because the plastic hose connection got old and cracked and I lost my oil supply. Fist I knew of it was when it quit - no horn. It's really easy to mix the oil & fuel when you refuel and saves the worry as well as the $3000!

 

[rsimms]

Buy a 4-stroke! emoBigsmile

 

[MrWiskers]

Get rid of it ASAP. Trust me you don't what to have the powerhead rebuilt. Plus if the oil resevor is under the cowling, there is always the chance you will forget to fill it up. I did and it cost me $1500. I mix mine now.

 

[fischnrod]

Change it, those pumps dont put the same amount of oil at different speeds and cant pump as much cold thick oil in cold weather as warm weather. I mix my own and wouldn't have it any other way unless it was new and under warranty.

 

[CATCHMAN]

Thanks for the input. Any suggestions on a really good backyard mechanic? I would like to get it taken care of in the next week if possible and I'm sure most boat centers are packed out.

emoAngel emoScratch