What is "Vapor Lock", how does it happen, and how do you rid your vehicle of it?

Answer 1

Fuel Pumps have a hard time pumping air. Fuel left in the fuel lines boils and produces vapor and the fuel system won't feed fuel up to the Carburetor or fuel injection. Keeping enough pressure on the fuel is key to non boiling most fuel pressure regulators hold 10 to 20 psi enough to keep the fuel from boiling. Now with Ethanol the fuel boiling point has been lowered. Old cars with mechanical fuel pumps and carburetors will have problems when hot. Best I can say is install a blower to cool the fuel pump and put it on a thermostat to run until the under hood temp is below 180 degrees. Old Volkswagen's really did not like Texas heat I have seen cow magnets insulation clothespins and most dangerious of all add an electric fuel pump that keep adding fuel to the fire.

Answer 2

Vapor lock is when fuel in the lines gets too hot and turns from a liquid into vapor. Vapor cannot be pumped so the engine dies. Check fuel line routing, You will probably find that it is too close to something hot like an exaust manifold, If so reroute the line.

Answer 3

vapor lock is when your gascap seal or tank vent will not allow any air into your tank.when your engine consumes fuel,it is basically sucking it out of your gas tank.its like sucking on your straw when you are drinkin your strawberry shake and you get a chunk of strawberry stuck. remove the chunk and you can finish your shake.check your gas tank vent to see if it is allowing air into the tank.to do this you would have to purchase a manual for your vehicle to identify its location,or call your local auto parts store and ask them,they would probably be more than happy to help you..