Guys, I have 1987 Ranger with a 1987 Johnson GT150 that I bought new. I've never had any issues with the VRO but should I disable the oil line from it before it causes me problems? I've heard a lot of people say yes, do it ASAP. But another person said it will cause the fuel pump to fail, so I'm not sure what I should do. Here is the instructions I've found to disable it:

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(VRO Pump Conversion To Straight Fuel Pump)
(J. Reeves)

You can convert the VRO pump into a straight fuel pump, eliminating the oil tank and VRO pump warning system, but retain the overheat warning setup by doing the following:

1 - Cut and plug the oil line at the engine so that the oil side of the VRO pump will not draw air into its system. Trace the wires from the back of the VRO to its rubber plug (electrical plug) and disconnect it.

2 - Trace the two wires from the oil tank to the engine, disconnect those two wires, then remove them and the oil tank.

3 - Mix the 50/1 oil in the proper amount with whatever quanity fuel you have. Disconnect the fuel line at the engine. Pump the fuel primer bulb until fuel exits that hose with the tint of whatever oil you used. Reconnect the fuel hose.

That's it. If you want to test the heat warning system to ease your mind, have the key in the on position, then ground out the tan heat sensor wire that you'll find protruding from the cylinder head. The warning horn should sound off.
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But this is one comment I received about the negatives of doing this:

Brian, after what I have been told you will get diaphragm failure after a short time, as the oil side of the pump is not loaded by oil. The correct way to do it is to discard the complete VRO-unit and install a standard fuel pump on the crankhouse.

I haven't done any of them (I bought the standard pump to do the job, but the motor was stolen before I got to replace it) so I cannot say first-hand what is correct or not.

I have heard it best to remove the system and mix the oil yourself. I have never owned this type of system. All I can do is pass along info I've heard.

I had it disconnected on my motor and never had any problem with the motor!!!

I had it disconnected on my motor and never had any problem with the motor!!! Just make sure you have the pump installedon the crankhouse.

I have a 1984 Evinrude GT150 and they disconnected the VRO but didn't put a fuel pump on it. No problems for 4 yrs. but I just dropped a cylinder and now am trying to find a good used 150 or 175 for the boat before I sell it.
I just bought a new boat a month ago.