Question I have owned a 1988 Evinrude 175 HP Outboard Motor since new. Two years ago, I had to have the lower unit rebuilt. While in the shop, the mechanic suggested that I disconnect the VRO Pump due to the chance that it would go out in the future and trash the motor, so I agreed. As soon as I got it in the water and topped out at 65 mph, a warning buzzer went off. I slowed down to an idle and the the buzzer went off. This happened every time the trottle was opened all the way and topped out. I decided I could live with not running the boat full throttle. The next spring, I put the boat in the water and traveled 3 times further than I normally do (about 6 miles). On the way back to the boat ramp, the buzzer started going off and lost power. When I slowed to an idle speed, the buzzer went off about a mile later. The buzzer would come on and off intermittenly all the way back to the boat dock. I thought the boat thermostats might be bad so I purchased new ones and replaced them. Now, the motor runs good until we get to top end at full throttle when the warning buzzer goes off again. Do you think the VRO alarm was fully disconnected? If so, how do I fully disconnect the alarm and where is it located on the motor? It is driving me nuts. The cost of the lower unit replacement just about broke me financially, so I don't want to take the boat motor back to the Boat Repair Shop again. Any information you can give me is deeply appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Answer the buzzer sounding at WOT sounds like the pump is weak...the waterpump should have been replaced when the unit was off...on the engine..at the vro pump, cut the purple wire, that should take care of the vro alarm...make sure the fuel line is free, some of the older ones had a vacum switch that will sound the alarm...in the fuel line....
