Re: Posible vapor lock solution?

Posted by Tim Cole On 2012/7/1 7:33:19

Wow! All these cars having problems.

If there is a car having this problem that also has an electric pump, then how about bypassing the mechanical pump and running the motor via the electric pump?

Way back when I dealt with a high mileage 56 Exec that was having this problem and because it was just an old car we bypassed the fuel pump and ran it on electric. It was a cheap repair that satisfied the owner who just used it as a second car.

However, the root cause is still important. I am sure that these old blocks just don't run as cool as new which creates problems. The prewar cars have bigger radiators and so overheating can be reduced to a manageable level. But I had similar problems with a modern car that was high mileage and always running hot.

For somebody out there interested in an experiment, take a heat gun (or powerful hair drier) and aim it at the fuel line, carburetor, and fuel pump with the motor running. If it stalls then you have isolated a problem area. (I suppose a propane torch would also work! but only on the fuel line)

The insulation block idea is also valid as it concurs with the Packard company service letters which state that vapor locking results in the low pressure carburetor circuits.

Of course stuck heat risers will create big problems in hot weather as well.

I assume in each of these cases valid ignition has already been confirmed. Given today's cell phone infested highways, stalling is a huge safety problem.