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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Vapor lock

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JR in Tx

07-28-2005 17:31:59




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Hello everbody,I think I have a vapor lock issue, the line that comes from the sediment bowl to the carb is copper and I have always seen steel or rubber. The line is about 4 inches away from the head. This is on a 51' ford flathead. My main question is does gas vaporize sooner in copper than steel? They always used copper line on moonshine stills so maybe so. Any advice is appreciated. James




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frankiee

07-29-2005 19:49:36




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 Re: Vapor lock in reply to JR in Tx, 07-28-2005 17:31:59  
My main question is does gas vaporize sooner in copper than steel?
Yes

Material Thermal conductivity

(W/m K)* Silver 406.0 Copper 385.0 Brass 109.0 Aluminum 205.0 Steel ... 50.2

As you can see,copper conducts heat very well above steel.
If you want heat in the fuel then use copper.
If not, then stick to steel.

Head added to the fuel will increase the likelyhood of vapor lock

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frankiee

07-30-2005 16:25:27




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 Re: Vapor lock in reply to frankiee, 07-29-2005 19:49:36  
Sorry about the typo in the prior reply
"Head added to the fuel will increase the likelyhood of vapor lock"

It meant to say "heat added to the fuel.....
Actually "head" added would help prevent vapor lock.



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Jerry/MT

07-29-2005 14:02:32




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 Re: Vapor lock in reply to JR in Tx, 07-28-2005 17:31:59  
Vapor lock is caused by the fuel being heated to it's boiling point in the fuel line and I doubt that whether you use copper or steel (the thermal conductivity is high for most metals) it would make any difference. If you increase the fuel pressure or reduce the fuel temperature, you can eliminate the problem. Most practically, it's easier to reduce the fuel temperature. See if you can find a way to re route the fuel line so that it is in a cooler region and you can eliminate the problem. You can also shield the fuel line by running it inside another larger tube or putting a piece of sheet metal between the fuel line and the heat source. Hope thsi helps.

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TexMac

07-28-2005 21:44:55




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 Re: Vapor lock in reply to JR in Tx, 07-28-2005 17:31:59  
Gene is right about the fuel pump push rod. Replaced mine with a NOS several years ago and never had a problem since. However the original line is steel and routes a lot higher than 4 inches. It also is no where near the head, but over the intake manifold. It also comes from the fuel pump to the carb. The filter bowl is ahead of the pump. Fuel enters it from the steel tank line via a short rubber hose with threaded ends. You have to have the hose here to isolate engine movement from the body. Any rigid line will crack. These are notorious for leaking air and thus stopping fuel flow. Contact me at mcaliron at yahoo dot com for more info. Where in Texas are you?

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JR in Tx

07-29-2005 15:38:17




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 Re: Vapor lock in reply to TexMac, 07-28-2005 21:44:55  
Hey guys, thanks for all the advice, I will look into all of it. I especially like the idea about the line being too close to the exhuast. Texmac, I am in smithville,which is about 40 miles south of Austin. Thanks again, James



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MarkB_MI

07-28-2005 19:33:09




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 Re: Vapor lock in reply to JR in Tx, 07-28-2005 17:31:59  
I suspect that your vapor lock problem has less to do with fuel line material and more to do with location. Also, it's unlikely your vapor locking is happening between the fuel pump and carb. Check the fuel line routing between the fuel tank and fuel pump. I'll bet it's too close to the exhaust.


Steel is used for fuel lines because it's stronger than copper and less likely to fatigue and break. Same reason you don't see copper brake lines.

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Gene Davis (Ga.)

07-28-2005 18:51:26




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 Re: Vapor lock in reply to JR in Tx, 07-28-2005 17:31:59  
The copper line will probably pick up the heat faster than the steel line that was originally used. The standard ancient remedy for vapor lock on the old Ford flat heads was to clip clothes pins on the fuel line and let them absorb and dissipate the heat. Another flat head trick was when the fuel pump pushrod wears and won't pump because it is too short was to cut a pioece of shoe leather and put it in the pocket of the pump arm where the pushrod fits to take up space. Been many folks got home on these 2 remedies.

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old

07-28-2005 18:48:47




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 Re: Vapor lock in reply to JR in Tx, 07-28-2005 17:31:59  
Copper moves heat aster so yes it would be more likely to do so



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