Vapor Lock?

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May 19, 2006 | 12:52 AM

Albackus36

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Vapor Lock?

I've got a '64 Galaxie that I swapped a 460 and c6 into and I love it. When I was driving it last night, it started sputtering on me and died. Fifteen minutes later it started right up and I was able to make it home. Someone told me it was vapor lock due to exhaust heat vaporizing the gas in the lines. He told me to try wrapping the fuel line with a thermal wrap and I did, it happened again today, but even faster. Again, I let it sit for a while and was able to drive it home. I've had the car on the streets for a few months and this has never happened before. The weather is heating up, but I drove it for much longer before when it was cooler out. What's the deal? I was told that if it kept happening I might have to run a fuel return line back to the tank. Before I drop the tank and start cutting and drilling things, I want a second or third opinion. What gives?

460 ci.
Ford SCJ Alum Heads
Edelbrock Performer RPM intake
Street Demon 750 cfm
Holley 110 gph pump

May 19, 2006 | 05:40 AM

IB Tim

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May 19, 2006 | 10:23 AM

Kruse

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 1,529

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From: Kansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albackus36

Someone told me it was vapor lock due to exhaust heat vaporizing the gas in the lines.
460 ci.
Ford SCJ Alum Heads
Edelbrock Performer RPM intake
Street Demon 750 cfm
Holley 110 gph pump

This could be a lot of different fuel related problems, but I can start you out with a few things. The boiling temp (vapor lock temp) of gasoline is related to the atmospheric pressure. You can raise the boiling point by increasing the pressure (to a certain extent) or you can lower the boiling point by putting gas under a vacuum. It's possible that your vapor lock is happening between the fuel pump and the gas tank because this is the area that's under a vacuum. You may help this by putting an electric fuel pump closest to the gas tank. Also, you may have other problems such as a restriction in your fuel lines or too small of fuel lines.
You might first just try to move your fuel lines away from the exhaust further.

May 20, 2006 | 01:48 AM

Bdox

Fleet Owner

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 28,609

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From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada

A fuel return line is a good solution because it keeps the fuel from sitting in hot areas for any length of time. It should be restricted so that you maintain adequate fuel pressure at the carb. You may need the electric pump also.

But, consider other possibilities as well, such as an ingnition fault or a clogged fuel filter as the source of your problem.