Vapor Lock

B

BN

Senior Member
I've been having vapor lock problems with my 56 Ford recently. I've had this car for 16 years and never had vapor lock problems before. I'm wondering if it could be due to more ethanol in the gas than previous years. Or, if ethanol in the gas even has anything to do with vapor lock.
 
I think ethanol has a lot to do with it, it has a lower vaporization temperature than gas. If you don't have an insulated spacer between the carb and manifold the heat from the exhaust crossover will boil the gas out of the carb when you shut the engine off and let it sit for a few minutes. Phenolic spacers work well for this problem, or you can block the exhaust crossover with thin sheets of tin where the heads and intake meet. I would leave a small opening to allow some exhaust to pass to avoid cold starting and driveability issues.
 
If you run original equipment (fuel pump, carburetor, etc) and you have to use ethanol gasoline then YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE. I had vapor lock issues until I started treating the gasoline I purchased. Each tank got a bottle of treatment.

thankfully there is station that now sells the ethanol free gasoline not too far away.
 
Ditto on that HRR! I run non ethanol premium in my 50 Ford coupe with a 302. In fact I run it in everything I have that has a carburetor with wonderful results!!! Costs a little more but well worth it.
 
I do have the phenolic carb spacer and the restricted exhaust ports through the intake manifold.

HRR, what is the name of that bottle of gasoline treatment you use?
 
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