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Re: Vapor Lock Cures

To: geoff_cline@mailgate.patagonia.com
Subject: Re: Vapor Lock Cures
From: Steven Laifman <av342@lafn.org>
Date: Tue, 20 Aug 1996 17:48:03 +0100
Geoff,

Well, neo-Luddite, "They" have struck again.  The affliction you 
describe only occurs to those who most fear it will happen.  The 
"stalling and failure to run" really didn't give us much in the way of 
clues, except it ain't vapor lock.  For whatever reasons you may have to 
curse British electrics (the S.U. fuel pump wasn't built by Lucas, it 
just seems that way) they do not allow "vapor lock", although they can 
just plain quit.  Vapor lock is caused by the gasoline in the line 
heating to it's boiling point and becoming a "vapor" rather than a 
liquid.  The standard mechanical fuel pump just can't "pass" this gas, 
and no longer pumps fuel.  It feels like your ran out of fuel, because 
you have.  The S.U. (I better not tell you what the initials really 
stand for) just fast-clicks the vapor through the pump and continues to 
pump fluid.  This does not mean, however, that it doesn't just stop 
without any vapor whatsoever.  BTW, look and see if someone hasn't 
replaced the original with some cheap replacement that may actually have 
some reliability.  There is an S.U. version available with the "points" 
replaced by "solid state" electronics, but they will smell any owner's 
fear of technology and strike.

P.S. Fuel line, or the fuel pump filter screen, clogged with debris will 
appear to be "vapor lock", but is just plain chocking on crud.  A quick 
thwack with a proper british bumpershoot, or tire iron across the pump 
sometimes helps reluctant points.  Knowing your preferences, I am sure 
that the bumpershoot is better known than "what the hell is a tire 
iron"? (;.

Luck with the 200 other things it might be.

Steve
-- 
Steve Laifman         < Find out what is most     >
B9472289              < important in your life    >
                      < and don't let it get away!>

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