vapor lock (was: op temps/ trip report)

[mark grady]

Paul --

This is the first time I've ever had this 'vapor lock' problem while we've
had our coach. We went on a long trip through KY/TN several summers ago and
it was just as hot, but this was a new feeling of fear as we went up a hill
in Tinley Park in very heavy traffic.

I have to wonder if the formulation of gas has changed somehow. We have our
own tank at our house and I've used the same supplier for years, but I doubt
that means much...

Arch --

Have you found the 'perfect' pass through electric fuel booster pump?
If not, I guess I may consider the old Reynolds wrap to the fuel line trick
too.

Mark

| Although it
|was just as
|hot Saturday as it was Friday, only experienced vapor lock once upon
|acceleration from a stop.
|
|I'm also thinking electric fuel pump. However, by the time I get around to
|installing one, we'll probably be seeing snow!
|
| Paul Bartz

 

[richard waters]

Arch,
What you did is exactly what I want to do. My new instument panel has a
aux fuel pump switch with an indicator light. I want to put in a fuel
pump to pump fuel only if I experience vapor lock, the mechanical stops
working
and possibly during the initial engine startup.

My airplane has 3 ways of delivering fuel to the engine. The mechanical
pump
on the engine, gravity (the tanks are in the wings and the plane is a
high
wing) and an electric fuel pump. I've never needed the electric pump
however,
in the 15 years that I've had it. I always turn it on during preflight
prior to engine start to make sure it works. There is nothing to keep
the
electric fuel pump from running when the engine is not running. The
whole
point of the electric pump is to help keep the engine running or help to
start
a non running engine the event of an emergency. So if that scheme is
good
enough for my airplane it should be good enough for the GMC.

It's also possile that turning the pump on before engine start in the
plane helps
it to start (myth?). So why wouldn't that work with the GMC?

The plane is a lot like the GMC (it also comsumes vast amounts of my
spendable
cash and time) as it tends to sit a long time between flights.

When I have the current projects completed I'm going to look into the
Carter pump.

Richard Waters

>
>
> Mark
>
> I cant tell you I have found the 'perfect' pass through fuel booster pump
> because I have just put it in and have not had time to get any real time
> experience with it. I do like what I see though. The kit is produced by
> Carter. NAPA sells it but most of them dont even know they have it.
> The part number is P4602RV. This is a rotary vane fuel pump and vapor
> lock kit. I think it was $115. The kit comes with the pump--mounting
> bracket-----check valve ---tees and clamps. It is sold as a remendy for
> vapor lock on all motorhomes.