The Ford Barn

BN · 06-23-2016, 11:20 AM

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.

Dobie Gillis · 06-23-2016, 01:17 PM

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.

Hot Rod Reverend · 06-23-2016, 02:43 PM

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.

50fordcoupeman · 06-23-2016, 04:13 PM

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.

BN · 06-23-2016, 04:49 PM

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?

Hot Rod Reverend · 06-23-2016, 05:24 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Let me find a link.... Eastwood sells it

06-23-2016, 11:20 AM	#1
BN Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Keller, Tx Posts: 114	Vapor Lock 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. __________________ Bill Newland

06-23-2016, 01:17 PM	#2
Dobie Gillis Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Middle TN Posts: 1,060	Re: 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.

06-23-2016, 02:43 PM	#3
Hot Rod Reverend Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lancaster, CA Posts: 916	Re: Vapor Lock 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. __________________ Lancaster, California Visit hotrodreverend.com to view hundreds of pictures and videos of the build of the 1955 Ford Club Sedan!

06-23-2016, 04:13 PM	#4
50fordcoupeman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: LaGrande Oregon Posts: 865	Re: Vapor Lock 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.

06-23-2016, 04:49 PM	#5
BN Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Keller, Tx Posts: 114	Re: Vapor Lock 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? __________________ Bill Newland

06-23-2016, 05:24 PM	#6
Hot Rod Reverend Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lancaster, CA Posts: 916	Re: Vapor Lock Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Let me find a link.... Eastwood sells it __________________ Lancaster, California Visit hotrodreverend.com to view hundreds of pictures and videos of the build of the 1955 Ford Club Sedan!