What causes a vapor lock in an engine?
What causes a vapor lock in an engine?
Vapor lock generally occurs when the fuel (usually gasoline) within the fuel delivery system overheats and vaporizes too rapidly. The resulting excess gas bubbles accumulate to the point of actually blocking normal fuel delivery.
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.
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:
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.
What does vapor lock do to an engine?
Vapor lock happens when your fuel boils in your carburetor or your fuel line. Vaporized fuel creates back pressure in your fuel system and prevents gas from getting to your engine.
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.
What should I avoid using in a fuel vapor lock?
Avoid using fuels that have a high volatility rate, which consist of fuels that have extra alcohol content. In the case of a marine engine, find out what your rated Reid Vapor Pressure states in your owner’s manual.
When to know if your car is vapor locked?
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: After your warmed engine stalls, pull to the side of the road.
