Vapor Lock???
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 366
Likes: 3
Vapor Lock???
I took the truck down to the parts store and when I was ready to leave, I had a heck of a time getting the 55 to start. After waiting about 20 minutes and a few turns, it fired up. Vapor lock? Coil? It's hot in Florida! I am running the stock 223 6 and also wanted to metion that a majority of the fuel line from the fuel pump to carb is rubber fuel injection hose which wraps around the front of the engine with part of it resting below the top radiator hose. Maybe I should change this out with more steel line running instead. This problem has only occured a couple of times when it is real hot but would like to make it go away. Appreciate any guidance.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 1
From: Jamestown, IN
The sixes usually do not vapor lock, I had the same trouble. My problem was the coil. If you have this trouble again then put some ice on the coil and if it fires up after you cool the coil then that is your problem.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,148
Likes: 4,747
From: Burbank, WA
It sounds like you know your trouble is likely the routing of your fuel line. Why would you have so much rubber hose, why does it route clear around in front of the engine, and why would you attach it to your hot rad hoses? All that sounds like you're asking for trouble, imho.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,286
Likes: 1,050
From: NM
It sounds like you know your trouble is likely the routing of your fuel line. Why would you have so much rubber hose, why does it route clear around in front of the engine, and why would you attach it to your hot rad hoses? All that sounds like you're asking for trouble, imho.
Modern gas just doesn't like mechanical fuel pumps. It is more aromatic (vaporizes easier) and face it, these engines used to vapor lock back in the day. Keeping the tank full helps, since the pump doesn't have to lift the gas up as high.
You should do it up in metal line regardless, but you'll never regret putting in a good electric pump with a good regulator.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 366
Likes: 3
I believe that's the stock route, but in metal line supported in clips.
Modern gas just doesn't like mechanical fuel pumps. It is more aromatic (vaporizes easier) and face it, these engines used to vapor lock back in the day. Keeping the tank full helps, since the pump doesn't have to lift the gas up as high.
You should do it up in metal line regardless, but you'll never regret putting in a good electric pump with a good regulator.
Modern gas just doesn't like mechanical fuel pumps. It is more aromatic (vaporizes easier) and face it, these engines used to vapor lock back in the day. Keeping the tank full helps, since the pump doesn't have to lift the gas up as high.
You should do it up in metal line regardless, but you'll never regret putting in a good electric pump with a good regulator.
I think I am sold on switching to a 6 volt electric fuel pump. Are block-off plates available if I remove the stock fuel pump? With these Holley 1 barels, what would be a good pressure regulator setting? Thanks.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,286
Likes: 1,050
From: NM
I doubt it vapor locked under those conditions, but an electric pump will cure all ills!
You can make a block off plate out of 1/4" aluminum plate (looks like chrome! and costs little). You'll want a good regulator because Holleys like 2 - 2.5 psi. I am using the Holley 12-804 which is at AutoZone and elsewhere (these used to be $18!!!). From what I've heard, the Carter fuel pumps are the way to go for 6v.
Holley Performance/1 to 4 PSI chrome finish standard fuel pressure regulator - Not legal for sale or use in California on any pollution controlled vehicle | Fuel Pressure Regulator and Control | AutoZone.com
You can make a block off plate out of 1/4" aluminum plate (looks like chrome! and costs little). You'll want a good regulator because Holleys like 2 - 2.5 psi. I am using the Holley 12-804 which is at AutoZone and elsewhere (these used to be $18!!!). From what I've heard, the Carter fuel pumps are the way to go for 6v.
Holley Performance/1 to 4 PSI chrome finish standard fuel pressure regulator - Not legal for sale or use in California on any pollution controlled vehicle | Fuel Pressure Regulator and Control | AutoZone.com
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 366
Likes: 3
I doubt it vapor locked under those conditions, but an electric pump will cure all ills!
You can make a block off plate out of 1/4" aluminum plate (looks like chrome! and costs little). You'll want a good regulator because Holleys like 2 - 2.5 psi. I am using the Holley 12-804 which is at AutoZone and elsewhere (these used to be $18!!!). From what I've heard, the Carter fuel pumps are the way to go for 6v.
Holley Performance/1 to 4 PSI chrome finish standard fuel pressure regulator - Not legal for sale or use in California on any pollution controlled vehicle | Fuel Pressure Regulator and Control | AutoZone.com
You can make a block off plate out of 1/4" aluminum plate (looks like chrome! and costs little). You'll want a good regulator because Holleys like 2 - 2.5 psi. I am using the Holley 12-804 which is at AutoZone and elsewhere (these used to be $18!!!). From what I've heard, the Carter fuel pumps are the way to go for 6v.
Holley Performance/1 to 4 PSI chrome finish standard fuel pressure regulator - Not legal for sale or use in California on any pollution controlled vehicle | Fuel Pressure Regulator and Control | AutoZone.com
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,286
Likes: 1,050
From: NM
As I recall, '55's have saddle tanks, right? You just need to put the electric pump down as low and as close to the tank as possible, mount it inside the frame rails with some rubber on the mounts to keep it quiet. Put a good filter in front of it and another good metal-can one up just ahead of the carb.
Do an Advanced Search on electric fuel pumps, you find lots of help. Here is one thread that has some useful info including wiring.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...n-239-8ba.html
Do an Advanced Search on electric fuel pumps, you find lots of help. Here is one thread that has some useful info including wiring.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...n-239-8ba.html
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
I have an electrical 6v fuel pump in my 52. I'm running a 215. I also plan on using the stock mechanical pump as well. When the truck had the flathead 8, it had the same set up. Never had a problem.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 366
Likes: 3
As I recall, '55's have saddle tanks, right? You just need to put the electric pump down as low and as close to the tank as possible, mount it inside the frame rails with some rubber on the mounts to keep it quiet. Put a good filter in front of it and another good metal-can one up just ahead of the carb.
Do an Advanced Search on electric fuel pumps, you find lots of help. Here is one thread that has some useful info including wiring.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...n-239-8ba.html
Do an Advanced Search on electric fuel pumps, you find lots of help. Here is one thread that has some useful info including wiring.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...n-239-8ba.html
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 366
Likes: 3
Update
I took the truck down to the parts store and when I was ready to leave, I had a heck of a time getting the 55 to start. After waiting about 20 minutes and a few turns, it fired up. Vapor lock? Coil? It's hot in Florida! I am running the stock 223 6 and also wanted to metion that a majority of the fuel line from the fuel pump to carb is rubber fuel injection hose which wraps around the front of the engine with part of it resting below the top radiator hose. Maybe I should change this out with more steel line running instead. This problem has only occured a couple of times when it is real hot but would like to make it go away. Appreciate any guidance.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 51
From: SW Missouri
In fifty years or so driving these old cars I have never had "vapor lock" in an original car. I have had that issue in motor homes or other large engine applications in non stock configurations.
Most hot engine stoppages are coil related or as you found a leak in the fuel system or pump failure.
Good job diagnosing your issue.
It is so much easier to spend your hard earned money for a unneeded electric pump and pat yourself on the back for fixing the trouble. The leaking hose would still likely be there but the electric pump would have high enough volume to hid the leak.
Opinions will vary
Larry
Most hot engine stoppages are coil related or as you found a leak in the fuel system or pump failure.
Good job diagnosing your issue.
It is so much easier to spend your hard earned money for a unneeded electric pump and pat yourself on the back for fixing the trouble. The leaking hose would still likely be there but the electric pump would have high enough volume to hid the leak.
Opinions will vary
Larry
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
elkhunter
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
23
Jul 28, 2023 10:48 PM
AbandonedBronco
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
24
Oct 12, 2009 12:17 PM
traderguy111
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
2
Aug 25, 2004 09:48 PM
traderguy111
Fuel Injection, Carburetion & Fuel System
1
Aug 23, 2004 09:46 PM
