Re: Accumix oil /fuel system

[Don]

Yes, do not use any version of the accumix tank, for sure…This system was prone to failure, and put a real load/high vacuum situation on the fuel pumps…This is one of the big reasons that OMC went to the big fuel pump on the 9.9/15s, to accommodate the accumix tanks.
Well said bobw, the VRO was the easy target to blame engine failures on, only followed by the "mysterious" powerpack. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to promote the VRO to CD reliability status, just saying it was unfairly blamed for engine failures/problems that it oftentimes had nothing to do with. The introduction of the VRO2, with the oil flow alarm was definitely a plus. But, even the VRO flow sensor could not differentiate between oil and/or water flow through the pump.
I have always felt it is much easier/cleaner to premix the fuel/oil in the fuel tank. I have seen so many stinky bilges due to that tank and spilled oil. The oil tank could be prone to water intrusion also, depending on its location in the bilge. But, it is only fair to admit that OMC was not marketing outboard "to me", the boating public wanted oil injection, and OMC "had to keep up" with Yamaha and Merc.
Like you say, in spite of the VRO’s obvious short comings, its beauty is its simplicity. And, it is easy to disconnect if your prefer. The VRO makes a great fuel pump, I am so frustrated when I see folks spend the extra money to actually remove the VRO pump and install a conventional fuel pump. This is totally unnecessary. Needless to say, if the fuel pump side of the VRO fails, it is much more economical to replace it with a conventional fuel pump. The VROs can be rebuilt though, just like a conventional fuel pump. The only problem with disabling any oil injection system is that you open yourself (or the boat owner) up to obvious mistakes at the fuel dock.. People/fuelers see your relatively new outboard and "assssssume" it is oil injected. The fuel tank is filled, no oil is added, and the engine runs for about 30 seconds at high speed before seizing up. Always follow the simple rule: never loan your outboard rig to anyone, especially relatives or your kids! Buy your kids a cheap rig to destroy…
OK, off the soap box, but please don’t use the accumix tank….And, peel the 100:1 stickers off any OMC outboards if and when you see them…