Can a gas tank vapor lock?
Can a gas tank vapor lock?
Yes fuel injected engines can vapor lock. It might not be as common as in the old days but non the less it can and does occur. Vapor lock is just air trapped inside the fuel system. Simply removing the gas cap would releive the situation if this is what is happening.
Why does vapor lock not occur in modern engines?
So this new fuel has a lower boiling point. However, vapor lock rarely occurs in a modern engine because of the use of an in-tank, electric fuel pump. This allows the pump to operate at a low point in the tank, submerged in fuel, and under a lower temperature than the older mechanical pump located in the engine compartment.
Why are fuel lines protected from vapor lock?
Not only do these sleeves prevent vapor lock, but they also protect the engine lines themselves from heat damage. Even if they’re aluminum, fuel injector rails can soak in ambient heat and transfer that heat to the fuel running through them, potentially causing a vapor lock problem.
When does a fuel pump go into vapor lock?
Vapor lock happens when the temperature of fuel gets high enough to transform liquid into a vapor state. Fuel pumps are designed to pump liquid, not air, and the increased pressure inside the fuel lines keeps the fuel pump from being able to keep the fuel moving.
How does high altitude contribute to vapor lock?
High-altitude geographic areas can contribute to vapor lock as well by lowering the fuel boiling point.
So this new fuel has a lower boiling point. However, vapor lock rarely occurs in a modern engine because of the use of an in-tank, electric fuel pump. This allows the pump to operate at a low point in the tank, submerged in fuel, and under a lower temperature than the older mechanical pump located in the engine compartment.
What to do if your fuel delivery system is vapor locked?
Crank the engine using the remote switch. As the engine cranks, spray a shot of starting fluid through the throttle valve. If the engine seems to catch while spraying the starting fluid, there’s a good chance the fuel delivery system is vapor locked. You can do a similar test using a small plastic bag with ice:
High-altitude geographic areas can contribute to vapor lock as well by lowering the fuel boiling point.
What to do when your car has vapor lock?
After your warmed engine stalls, pull to the side of the road. Open the hood. Place a bag of ice on the fuel line between the fuel pump and carburetor and the one that connects to the fuel pump to bring down the fuel line’s temperature and allow vapor fuel to condense. After a few minutes, try starting the engine.
