1989 40hp johnson vro fuel pump

[vibeline]

Howdy Folks,
I'm new here thanks for the help in advance.
I have a 1989 40hp johnson I pre-mix the gas and oil,
The boat was setup for premix when I got it.
Can I take the vro pump off and put a old style fuel pump on it?
If I change pumps What do I do with the plug that plugs into the vro pump?

Issues
The engine starts hard when it is cold out. (yes the choke works)
The primer bulb never gets hard. (I put a new hose ***embly on, the primer bulb still never gets hard)
The clear in-line fuel filter is almost empty all the time. (it used to stay full)
The engine idles fine.
The engine runs well in the low and mid range. (up to 2800-3000 rpm)
The engine will purr all day at 3000 rpm with absolutely no problems
The engine will not go to WOT under load.

Thanks again folks,
Cheers,
Jim

[boats.net]

Can use this fuel pump if block has the screw holes and center hole for pump,
would need fuel pump mounting screws, mounting gasket and possible change some of fuel hoses. 1989 J40TLCEC Johnson Outboard FUEL PUMP AND FILTER ROPE - TE - TTL Diagram and Parts
Might need to check fuel hoses and fuel pickup in tank for blockage.

[phillnjack]

first thing to check is the main fuel line from tank.
I would say you have an air leak as the bulb will get hard if the line is good.
don't blame the fuel pump just yet.
as much as I hate the vro and change the pump for old style straight away.
the bulb not getting hard makes me think tank to line problem.
could be just dirt in the fitting on the engine.

take the fuel line off from engine then pump the bulb, if it don't give resistance then the bulb valve could be bad too.

bulbs nowdays don't seem to last very long, and it don't matter if you buy cheap or oem they all seem to suffer quickly due to poor fuel nowdays.

hope this helps you a bit.

phill