<VV> Vapor Lock?

Ron ronh at owt.com
Tue Apr 12 18:13:59 EDT 2005


Re: item 5, Corvairs don't vapor lock while running unless something is very 
wrong as the whole top of the engine stays cool to the touch, even while 
climbing mountain grades.
RonH

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Larry Forman" <larry at forman.net>
To: "JCB" <Basalt at san.rr.com>; "Virtualvairs at Corvair. Org" 
<virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2005 3:00 PM
Subject: Re: <VV> Vapor Lock?


> Hi Jon,
> While it certainly COULD be vapor lock, check these:
> 1. Since you changed the coil (VERY GOOD, btw), test it anyway when it 
> does not start.  Since no ignition would certainly cause a lack of 
> starting.  Pull the #1 spark plug wire, insert a small bolt and hold it 
> (INSULATED gloves!) about 1/4 inch from ground while someone else cranks 
> the engine OUT OF GEAR and with the brake held on tightly.  If you see a 
> nice fat blue spark, all is well with the ignition voltage, but not 
> necessarily the timing.
> 2. Move to a fuel starvation. Test by pulling air cleaner and actuating 
> the carb cross shaft and see if you get a strong pump stroke of fuel down 
> in the carb air horn.  Do this with the engine off, but it would be off, 
> since it doesn't run at that time, right?  No fuel and you then have a 
> fuel starvation issue.  Either vapor lock or something else.
> 3. Remove the fuel cap and make darn sure it is the VENTED style, since a 
> NON-vented style would cause fuel starvation by creating a vacuum as the 
> fuel is pulled out with no vent.  If the car starts shortly after removing 
> the fuel cap then it was plugged or the wrong type.
> 4.  REPLACE, do not just inspect, the rubber inlet fuel line leading into 
> the engine compartment.  While under there also install an inline fuel 
> filter.  You could have an air leak that could cause this problem or even 
> a swollen line choking off the fuel flow when hot.
> 5. Take a rag and with a bucket of water nearby, soak the rag and place it 
> over the fuel pump to cool it off.  Do this a couple of times and maybe 
> even spray it with water.  If it starts much sooner then the fuel pump was 
> vapor locked.  The universal and sure cure for vapor lock is to install an 
> electric fuel pump down by the gas tank outlet and forget about vapor lock 
> FOREVER!
>
> Let us know what you find.
>
> -- Larry
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: JCB <Basalt at san.rr.com>
> To: "Virtualvairs at Corvair. Org" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
> Subject: <VV> Vapor Lock?
> Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2005 08:11:13 -0700
>
>>
>> The Car: 1962 Conv. 80 hp
>>
>> The Good:  Starts easy, runs good.
>>
>> The Bad:  After about 20 to 30 minutes dies and will not restart; until
>> about an hour later when it cools off.
>>
>> The Fix: ?
>>
>> What's Been Done:  Rebuild kits in carbs, rerouted fuel lines away from 
>> heat
>> of motor, added elect fuel pump, new mechanical fuel pump, new 
>> distributor,
>> coil, etc..., reworked valves etc..., new transmission, clutch, seals, 
>> and
>> on and on...
>>
>> Thank you for any help.
>>
>>
>> Jon Bruton
>
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