Should i worry about vapor lock?

[Jayru]

Hi Guys,

I've had my Z for ~6 months now and have been repairing/tuning the car to get rid of all the common Z bugs/problems over the past few months. I finally have the car running great with a lot of new parts!

So here's my question. I finally feel comfortable enough to take the car on a long trip, but with the current summer heat i'm afraid of experiencing vapor lock problems (everyone seems to speak of) if driven for a long period of time. I have never driven the car but for locally up to now (15-20 min at the most).

How often does this problem occur? How hot does it have to be/how long before it happens? What exactly happens when you experience it (It's my 1'st carburated car).

The absolute worst thing for me is being stuck on the side of the road somewhere. Am i being paranoid?

Thanks,

Jay

[LanceM]

Vapor lock is when the fuel boils and vaporizes in the fuel line before reaching the carbs. Typical symptoms while driving is a running out of gas type of feeling often with surges as some liquid gets through. The most common problem with vapor lock is during a hot start, like you stop to get gas and when you start you can't as the under hood temps have gone up a lot and the fuel has boiled out of both the bowls and the fuel lines. The easiest fix is an electric fuel pump at the tank, this will push the cooler fuel to and through the fuel mechanical pump to the carbs.

[hls30.com]

The condition of vapor lock would only make a stop longer-not totally disable the car.

As Lance said, stop in for gas and a drink, and stay till the car cools down a little(popping the hood helps). Not something to keep you from traveling unless you stop on railroad tracks...more like a sand in the shoes sort of thing...

Will

[Mr Camouflage]

Should i worry about vapor lock?

Not untill it happens to you. It may never be a problem for you.

[Jayru]

Thanks guys! Now i just need some place to go this weekend :classic:

[richard1]

I started to have this problem this year only. I have the car since four years and it never happened before.

I followed the recommendation to install an electric fuel pump at the tank outlet and my problem is solved.

[gogriz91]

I only had problems during the summer at elevations above 6,500 feet. Got an electric fuel pump that remedied my problem.

[Gav240z]

I've owned 3 Zeds and never had a problem with it. 2 had the non fluted bonnet(read:hood). I've had mechanical and an electric fuel pump.

I think the problem starts when people remove the heat shield and standard air box's.