<VV> Elec fuel pump and vapor lock

[J R Read]

IF (big IF to me since I've not personally experienced it - but have helped 
others with the problem) it is primarily in the feed line TO the pump and in 
the hot surroundings of the engine compartment.  Typically occurs after the 
engine is at road temp and a 5-10 minute stop is made.  The car restarts, 
but "runs out of gas" within about a half mile.

The fuel in the supply line turned to vapor - which the stock pump cannot 
handle - and the carb bowls have now gone dry.  Cooling that line (wait - 
use ice - whatever) and the pump will get you back on the road in a short 
time.

One possible "advantage" of the electric pump located near the tank is that 
it pushes the fuel to the carbs and therefore is not subject to the possible 
"vapor lock" of the mechanical pump (mounted at the rear of the Corvair) 
which can only suck liquid (not air or vapor) toward the engine.

None of my Corvairs have ever had an electric pump.

Later, JR


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joel McGregor" <joel at joelsplace.com>
To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 07, 2013 9:58 PM
Subject: Re: <VV> Elec fuel pump


> I guess if the vaporization is happening between the tank and pump it 
> would help to have the suction side away from heat but if it's between the 
> pump and the carbs it won't help.  It wouldn't help any of my mechanical 
> pumps anyway since they haven't had the problem.
> With all those fancy lines you are really starting to spend a lot more 
> money than the stock system.  The only fuel leaks I've had were with a 
> couple of pumps with loose screws on cars that I just picked up.  I don't 
> live around salt.
> Joel McGregor
>