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From: marauder@fluke.UUCP (Bill Landsborough)
Newsgroups: net.auto.tech
Subject: Re: Vapor Lock
Message-ID: <2927@vax4.fluke.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 27-Nov-85 23:40:58 EST
Article-I.D.: vax4.2927
Posted: Wed Nov 27 23:40:58 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 30-Nov-85 06:25:56 EST
References: <2922@vax4.fluke.UUCP> <94400003@convex>
Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA
Lines: 27

In article <94400003@convex> tmorris@convex.UUCP writes:
>
>	Heres a major disagreement ! As a former GM tech , let me inform you
>that vapor lock is alive and well and living in Z-28 Camaros with H.O. engines.
>It occurs previous to the fuel pump , where the METAL fuel lines are close to
>the exhaust system. On a hot day , take one of these things out and do several
>good acceleration runs (like on an expressway ramp in traffic ) . Then when
>you stop at a light and idle for about a minute , take off and try again.
>You will RUN OUT OF GAS at about 3500 rpm in second gear. Let off the foot-feed
>for a second and everything will be ok .
>	IF you test the fuel pump pressure , you will find it to be ok .
>If you check the fuel flow volume , you will find it more than sufficient. If 
>you move the fuel lines away from the exhaust , it will cure the problem !

If you are talking about boiling gasoline in the fuel line, creating
air (or what ever byproduct comes of boiling gasoline), and having the
fuel pump try to pump that air, then I agree with you.  However the
misnomer of "vapor lock" is always blamed on the engine heat and its
ability to stop the gasoline dead in its tracks before it reaches the
carburetor.  Thats what people have been blaming automobile failure on
for years and if your mechanic tells you that you have vapor lock, you
should get a new mechanic.  
One could have, however, a sealed gas cap which prevents air from
replacing the gasoline in the gas tank as it is used.  As the vacuum
gets greater it finally overcomes the ability of the fuel pump to draw
fuel and you have a stalemate; until you remove the cap and then it
will run fine.