How to bypass your VRO system in your Johnson outboard. I bought this 1996 Johnson 150 hp OceanRunner off of craigslist 3 summers ago for $2000. I'd say I've gotten my money's worth out of it.
Recently it started pumping too much oil; about 2 gallons of oil to 50 gallons of gas. It was also smoking like crazy, start-up took some time, and it would not stay idling or idle properly. Now that I have removed the VRO system my engine starts right up and idles great.
I just got back from running the boat all day. I didn't have any problems with it. Each start-up was smooth and it idled great. I wish I'd done this last summer.

FYI: I think the wire coming from the Oil Tank to the engine may be black and brown, not tan and brown. Mine was all faded, so I'm not too sure what the actual color is.

UPDATE: I decided to try using the pump again as it was intended. I hooked everything back up and things were good for about 2 weeks. Then while heading offshore it died. I was able to get back by pumping the bulb about every 30 seconds. It would run about 2000 rpm or less just fine and would run full throttle just fine, but in-between and it would die unless I pumped the bulb periodically. I tried tightening all of the hoses and changing hoses out, thinking that there may be a leak somewhere. I also noticed that the VRO housing seemed to be slightly warped in places where to parts came together. I bought a rebuild kit for the pump, but no luck there. Eventually purchased a NEW VRO and installed it. Everything works just fine now. Who knows what part of the VRO was actually the problem. I'm back on the water now.