Vapor lock-- 51 6cyl Champion

[maxxkatt]

I can drive 3-4 miles with no problem. if I go on a longer drive it will die after about 5 miles or so and I let it sit for about 25 min, then it cools off and it will start right up like there wasn't any thing wrong. I think it is a vapor lock problem, maybe not. If it is how do i fix it. Will an electric fuel pump before the mechanical one fix this or not.

[Mike Sal]

Take a look at the ignition timing & condition of your cooling system. The car should'nt just die going done the road (due to vapor lock). Does your car still have the metal heat shield on the fuel pump? if not, find one or make one (you'll need the 3 longer 'studs" to mount it.

Mount your electric pump back by the gas tank (electrics push easier than they pull). I put one on my 50 champ & put a hidden switch on the left under the dash, so i could "pressure up" the fuel line after stopping for gas while on a trip. That's when mine would vapor lock....or sometimes during a very slow parade. Nothing more frustrating than pulling out of the gas station lot only to make it 20 feet before it would die.

Champs don't have a very robust fuel pump & the electric pump sure helps.
Mike Sal

[maxxkatt]

thank you i'll try the heat sheild, first and then the electric pump.

[BobGlasscock]

Here's a couple of pics of the heat deflector I made.






However, that was NOT my problem. My symptoms were the same as yours, but it was the carb float. Not set at factory depth. So be sure to check that.

'50 Champion, 1 family owner

[bams50]

Also the symptoms of a dying ignition coil. Check the top for any sign at all of liquid; that will be proof. But they don't have to leak to fail.

Robert (Bob) Andrews- on the IoMT (Island of Misfit Toys)
Parish, central NY 13131

GOD BLESS AMERICA
Ephesians 6:10-17

[Lothar]

I had problems with the line from the fuel pump to the carb. (6 Cyl. Champion Eng.) in my 1950 Champion. I have the factory heat shield on the fuel pump. I bought a longer piece of fuel line (18" I think?) and bent it so it makes a broad arc out toward the front right. I haven't had a vapor lock problem since I made that change.

1950 Champion
W-3 4 Dr. Sedan
Holdrege NE

[nvonada]

How are your fuel tank and lines? I had the exact same symptoms. It was vapor lock but caused by the poor fuel pump having to suck gas through 65 years of crap in the tank and a rusty line. A good tank cleaning and a new fuel line and it has never happened again.

Nathan

_______________

http://stude.vonadatech.com

[Guest]

I'm having the same problem all of a sudden just in the past week after having my Distributor rebuilt. It is also affecting my OD by not letting it take hold in cruise. I was told today it may be the condensor they put in. Is that also possible?

Raymond F. Pittam

[52-fan]

It might not solve your problem, but if you can find gasoline without ethanol it will help. The blended fuel can cause problems with vapor lock and you will get better mileage with straight gasoline.

"In the heart of Arkansas."
1952 Champion Starlight w/overdrive. Searcy, Arkansas

[Dave Bannister]

My 57 Silverhawk 289 has just started dieing too! Its was not running down the road in traffic at idle. 2X today I pulled off the side because I was in traffic and just cranked on it twice holding pedal to floor and it restarted. I had to rev it a couple to clear the carb and took right off.

Next time I slowed down and idled for like 10 seconds it loaded up again died but this time I quickly open the hood and the primary carb barrel is hissing I can visually see misting particles kind of floating right in the front barrels. I did scratch my head thinking is this vapor lock, water in gas? So I went held the pedal down and cranked on it a little bit and fired right back up again. I then drove it 50' parked it and let it run for 10 minutes, and revved it a few times and it ran great?

I had about 1/2 tank of gas, the coolant temp running 135-140 or so and other wise has always ran pretty good?

Any thoughts? I was thinking possible crappy fuel [?]

[studebakerkid]

What I have done to deal with the alcohol fuel is to install a fuel return line. I removed my filler neck drilled a hole and welded in a steel nipple. I use a brand X fuel filter that has a return barb and run the return through steel or copper lines back to the tank. GThis solved my vapor lock problem with my Tcab and the 54 when I still had the flat head in iy so I left the return in when I bow tied it. My 65 and 64 with Mckinnions never had vapor lock problems.

If you car is ugly then it better be fast.....

65 2dr sedan
64 2dr sedan (Pinkie)
61 V8 Tcab
61 Tcab 20R powered
55 Commander Wagon
54 Champion Wagon
46 Gibson Model A
50 JD MC