Carburetors Carb discussion and questions. Upgrading your Third Gen's carburetor, swapping TBI to carburetor, or TPI to carburetor? Need LG4 or H.O. info? Post it here.

Vapor Lock Solution?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-13-2024, 10:55 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
eshipplosk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Posts: 17
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1984 Camaro Z/28
Engine: L69 -> L31
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Vapor Lock Solution?

Driving around the Arkansas heat with a dead-head setup is one way to make my girlfriend annoyed. Right now, my gas tank is hooked up to a edelbrock 7psi electric fuel pump straight to the carb. I have the return hose plugged up with a screw. After a long drive it starts to stall and fuel starts to visibly bubble through the clear fuel filter near the carb. After cooling down for a bit, it starts and drives like normal. People on youtube are saying the easiest way to stop vapor lock is to buy a vapor separator gas filter. I got a picture of one here. I am supposed to add this thing in-line of the fuel line and have the return hooked up to the offset barb. Since the pressure is already regulated, would I still need a fuel pressure regulator? Should I take advice from a guy smoking a cigarette over an engine bay from youtube and use this 3 prong filter or is there a better route to go?

Last edited by eshipplosk; 06-13-2024 at 11:41 AM.
Old 06-13-2024, 01:26 PM
  #2  
Supreme Member

 
skinny z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Alberta (formerly Ontario)
Posts: 9,237
Received 653 Likes on 553 Posts
Re: Vapor Lock Solution?

I use Holley's carbureted bypass regulator.
That solved my fuel overheating issues.
I also have an electric pump and use the regulator to keep the pressure in check as my pump puts out in excess of what a carb can handle.
The return line ensures that the fuel is always circulating and keeps cooler in comparison.

https://www.holley.com/products/fuel...parts/12-803BP
The following users liked this post:
eshipplosk (06-13-2024)
Old 06-13-2024, 04:01 PM
  #3  
Member
 
wlink14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 11 Posts
Car: '87 TA
Engine: 6.0LS
Transmission: 4L80e, 3000 stall
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt 3.27, posi,
Re: Vapor Lock Solution?

How close are your fuel lines to your exhaust?
Old 06-13-2024, 04:08 PM
  #4  
Supreme Member

 
skinny z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Alberta (formerly Ontario)
Posts: 9,237
Received 653 Likes on 553 Posts
Re: Vapor Lock Solution?

Less than an inch where the headers get close to the frame.
​​​​​​
Old 06-13-2024, 04:15 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
eshipplosk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Posts: 17
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1984 Camaro Z/28
Engine: L69 -> L31
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Vapor Lock Solution?

Originally Posted by skinny z
Less than an inch where the headers get close to the frame.
​​​​​​
Exactly.
Maybe a heat shield or some fuel line insulation too?
Old 06-13-2024, 04:58 PM
  #6  
Supreme Member

 
skinny z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Alberta (formerly Ontario)
Posts: 9,237
Received 653 Likes on 553 Posts
Re: Vapor Lock Solution?

That's been in my plans for a long time.
I think it's an excellent idea. I'd prefer to sleeve it rather than a shield. IIRC, there's a split sleeve available.
Some of my brake lines are also very close to the headers.
Old 06-14-2024, 01:55 AM
  #7  
Senior Member

 
Aaron R.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Missouri
Posts: 854
Received 202 Likes on 137 Posts
Car: 1985 Z28
Engine: 305 LG4
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Vapor Lock Solution?

That pictured metal fuel filter will probably work. Mount it as close to carb as possible. It basically allows fuel circulation back to the tank, keeping fuel flowing and cooler. You probably won't even need a pressure regulator with that. You can also just add a t-fitting instead and it will circulate the fuel. I have done that successfully with Edelbrock.

Get rid of any plastic or glass clear filters. All fire hazards. And route as much through homemade steel or braided lines as possible.
Old 06-14-2024, 07:19 AM
  #8  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
RedLeader289's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 2,493
Received 112 Likes on 92 Posts
Car: 1983 Z28
Engine: 385 Fastburn
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 9-bolt posi, 3.27 gears
Re: Vapor Lock Solution?

Ready for the crazy? Here comes the crazy.

Get a couple wooden clothes pins and clip them onto the fuel line. I don't know how it works, but it works.

I also have the return line plugged with a holley blue going to a regulator and then to the carb.
Old 06-14-2024, 09:48 AM
  #9  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
eshipplosk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Posts: 17
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1984 Camaro Z/28
Engine: L69 -> L31
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Vapor Lock Solution?

Originally Posted by RedLeader289

Get a couple wooden clothes pins and clip them onto the fuel line.
I'm guessing those clothes pin are acting as a radiator for the fuel line. As much as I like would like to do this, the fuel line is pretty damn close to the headers, so the risk of fire is scaring me off a little.
Old 06-14-2024, 10:29 AM
  #10  
Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Airwolfe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Franklin, KY near Beech Bend Raceway, Corvette Plant and Museum.
Posts: 295
Received 129 Likes on 102 Posts
Car: 1992 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 5.0L L03 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Vapor Lock Solution?

Seems like I remember fuel and brake lines having this spring wrapped around them referred to as a gravel guard. I think it also helped with cooling them off too.


Right Stuff Detailing Gravel Guard Spring Material, Tubing Armor, Stainless Steel, Natural, 3/8 in. Diameter, 20 ft. Length.

Last edited by Airwolfe; 06-14-2024 at 10:38 AM. Reason: Added picture
The following 2 users liked this post by Airwolfe:
eshipplosk (06-14-2024), RedLeader289 (06-14-2024)
Old 06-14-2024, 10:31 AM
  #11  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
RedLeader289's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 2,493
Received 112 Likes on 92 Posts
Car: 1983 Z28
Engine: 385 Fastburn
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 9-bolt posi, 3.27 gears
Re: Vapor Lock Solution?

Originally Posted by eshipplosk
I'm guessing those clothes pin are acting as a radiator for the fuel line. As much as I like would like to do this, the fuel line is pretty damn close to the headers, so the risk of fire is scaring me off a little.
Yeah, that's my theory as well. Apparently it was an old military trick (I think for the original jeeps, who knows).

Totally get the worry about fire. I have full length headers and my fuel line also comes up on the passenger side maybe an inch or a little more from one of the pipes. It is wrapped and has two clothes pins on it. It's been like that for over a decade now with no issues.

For reference the wrap is some kind they used to sell that was almost like a split sleeve except you wrap it around and the two ends sandwich together (think like if you folded a piece of paper over and just glued the ends together).
Old 06-14-2024, 11:01 AM
  #12  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
eshipplosk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Posts: 17
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1984 Camaro Z/28
Engine: L69 -> L31
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Vapor Lock Solution?

Originally Posted by Airwolfe
Seems like I remember fuel and brake lines having this spring wrapped around them referred to as a gravel guard.
I've definitely seen those on brake lines. Maybe that is something to consider for the fuel lines as well.

I also just realized that I am missing the air dam. Which is uhhh also something to consider trying to have this thing at a reasonable temperature.
Old 06-14-2024, 11:30 AM
  #13  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
RedLeader289's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 2,493
Received 112 Likes on 92 Posts
Car: 1983 Z28
Engine: 385 Fastburn
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 9-bolt posi, 3.27 gears
Re: Vapor Lock Solution?

Originally Posted by eshipplosk
I've definitely seen those on brake lines. Maybe that is something to consider for the fuel lines as well.

I also just realized that I am missing the air dam. Which is uhhh also something to consider trying to have this thing at a reasonable temperature.
Oh yeah, it's amazing the difference that will make. These cars are bottom breathers! lol
The following users liked this post:
eshipplosk (06-14-2024)
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mfp189
Tech / General Engine
2
12-27-2014 10:31 AM
JackMaverik
Tech / General Engine
6
08-04-2014 12:14 PM
spiffiestpengui
Carburetors
3
07-18-2010 01:16 AM
spills
Carburetors
5
08-08-2005 09:46 AM



Quick Reply: Vapor Lock Solution?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:34 PM.