Re: dreaded vapor lock

Posted by DavidM On 2011/8/1 4:55:59

I recently encountered an owner of a much earlier model Packard than yours who claimed to have endured chronic vapor lock over a 10 year period and had now found an effective solution.

He fitted a large vent to the float bowl above the fuel level. His car has a very small hole in the float chamber cover to allow the fuel to flow but he claimed this was not large enough when vapor lock occurred and his vent line was about 3/16" to 1/4" diameter piped down to below the engine.

Now I am a skeptic on this subject having heard of just about every solution you can think of from owners who swear the vapor lock is cured only to find that it is still there on the first really hot day.

This owner was very credible and I pass on his solution for what it is worth, I have trouble understanding why it would work but will try it on my 1920's Packard.

Until now the best solution I have found is to add kerosene however in very adverse conditions, which we sometimes experience here in Australia, it needs lots, I have used up to 20%, it makes no discernable difference to power but is very inconvenient getting it in such quantities.