[Shop-talk] Vapor lock or flooding?

[tr3driver at ca.rr.com]

> It has been suggested on other lists
> that this is vapor lock by some and flooding by others.  What are the thoughts
> of this list.

Lots of folks are very careless about the term "vapor lock".  IMO this isn't it.  Instead, the fuel is boiling in the float bowl and the vapor is filling the intake manifold.  A common cause of flooding.

To cure it, keep heat away from the float bowl.  Lots of cars have fiber/asbestos insulators between the carb & manifold for this reason.  A simple sheet metal heat shield will frequently help also.  In some cases, manufacturers have gone as far as putting small 12v fans (like a computer fan) with a thermostat, to blow cool air on the bowl to prevent percolation until underhood temperatures drop.  Or, if you have an electric fan on the radiator, add an override so the fan runs if the float bowl is hot.

Randall