Do T-Birds have trouble have Vaper lock problems like Flatheads?

Old Redneck

Old Redneck

Well-known member
On my Flatheads that I tour with I have electric fuel pump to override vaper lock. I hope to take the T-Bird on several tours with my wife. Ordered 5 new radials today. Expensive but will improve the ride. The car is coming along very nicely with all your help. So thank you very much.
 

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There are lots of variables behind vapor lock but, yes they can. Some cars more than others, making the owners crazy.
I put over 1000 miles on my '55 in the last 2 summers at temps sometimes over 100*, and other than feeling like I was going to melt, the engine did fine.
It is a fresh rebuild and that may make a fair amount of difference. The only departure from stock in the cooling system is a hi-flow thermostat.
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A phenolic spacer between the carb and manifold will go a long way toward preventing or at least reducing vapor lock. An added benefit is crisper throttle response and maybe a slight improvement in gas mileage.
 
No wooden close pin on the gas line? Seriously, don't know about Y blocks but an electric pump couldn't hurt. Not just in case of vapor lock but to prime the carb after sitting for awhile. Its not in the way if you don't need it but worth gold if you do. JMO
 
from all your reports about the same as flatheads.Yes a electric fuel pump works super when a car benefitting for a long time like a month.
 
I've used electric pumps for vapor lock, mostly on tow vehicles and motorhomes. Might watch the pressure, I don't think the teapot carb likes much.

Part of the problem with 'bird's is getting hot air out from under the hood. Driving in a parade popping the hood open is a common thing, or stuck in traffic. The temp gauges also tend to be inaccurate. You really need to use a second gauge or an infrared gun to see what the temp really is before you believe it's overheating. But if your getting flatheads to run cool enough, you'll be ok with the bird.
 
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Dobie Gillis said:
A phenolic spacer between the carb and manifold will go a long way toward preventing or at least reducing vapor lock. An added benefit is crisper throttle response and maybe a slight improvement in gas mileage.
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I think a phenolic spacer under the carb is a good idea, but to prevent fuel from boiling and evaporating in the carb, causing hard hot starts, and not really to prevent vapor lock. Vapor lock is a condition caused by heat on the fuel system components before the carburetor. Like fuel lines too close to hot spots, or in the fuel pump.


Sal
 
Hot Rod Reverend said:
one other item not yet mentioned - ethanol gasoline boils/evaporates at a much lower temp than pure gasoline. ...
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scicala said:
... Vapor lock is a condition caused by heat on the fuel system components before the carburetor. Like fuel lines too close to hot spots, or in the fuel pump. ...
Click to expand...
If/when fuel vaporizes inside the fuel lines the fuel pump can't pump a vapor.
My '55 Bird has a power steering pump that occupies a space in-between the radiator fan and fuel pump. I was initially concerned the PS pump might block enough air flow past the fuel pump to let the fuel pump and inlet lines near it get too hot and cause a problem.
The carburetor does sit on an original phenolic spacer and I don't use ethanol blended gasoline (unless I don't have a choice) and I usually leave the left side of the hood raised/unlatched when driving in slow traffic on hot days. It may only help in my imagination, but it's been good so far.
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If your running a stock carb with a stock air cleaner, there is very little room for a spacer. I have a 1/4 inch one on my 56, can't use the stock hold down
 
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