What is Vapour lock in a fuel system?
Vapour lock, partial or complete interruption of the fuel flow in an internal-combustion engine, caused by the formation of vapour or bubbles of gas in the fuel-feeding system.
Why is vapor lock rare in modern fuel systems?
This is the primary reason that vapor lock is rare in modern fuel systems. For the same reason, some carbureted engines are retrofitted with an electric fuel pump near the fuel tank.
Where is the vapor lock in a car?
Vapor lock was far more common in older gasoline fuel systems incorporating a low-pressure mechanical fuel pump driven by the engine, located in the engine compartment and feeding a carburetor.
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.
Why is vapor lock less common in Formula One?
Vapor lock is also less common in other motorsports, such as Formula One and IndyCar racing, due to the use of fuel injection and alcohol fuels ( ethanol or methanol ), which have a lower vapor pressure than gasoline. The higher the volatility of the fuel, the more likely it is that vapor lock will occur.
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.
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.
Vapor lock is also less common in other motorsports, such as Formula One and IndyCar racing, due to the use of fuel injection and alcohol fuels ( ethanol or methanol ), which have a lower vapor pressure than gasoline. The higher the volatility of the fuel, the more likely it is that vapor lock will occur.
What’s the best way to fix a vapor lock?
Let us divide the fixing process into simple steps regarding how to fix vapor lock. 1. Cool Down The Fuel Pump Pouring cold water on the fuel pump will cool down the system in no time. Make sure the ignition is OFF while you do the process. The cold water will liquefy the vapors quickly.