Vapor Lock?
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Woodstock, GA
Vapor Lock? I was driving the TA home from work a few days ago and it was a warm day - high 80s. The air conditioning was on the whole drive of 40 miles. There were no problems at all until around 5 miles later in stop and go street driving. The TA stumbled at a red light and was clearly struggling to stay running. I was able to make it to a parking lot where I noticed my fuel pressure was under 10 psi! When I turned it off and back on after a short time to see what pressure was at the priming pulse, it was only mid 20s. I left it there overnight. Yesterday I had it towed home and before I drove it up on the flatbed, I checked the pressure and it looked normal at around 60 psi! I had suspected fuel filter and possibly fuel pump - but now I'm wondering if there was a vapor lock issue before. The racetronix fuel pump probably only has 20k on it but the fuel filter hasn't been changed in a while.
Vapor lock? I truly believe that it was heat related. The coolant temps were normal at around 195.
Vapor lock? I truly believe that it was heat related. The coolant temps were normal at around 195.
Last edited by TA_Freak; Jun 30, 2023 at 07:33 AM. Reason: Perfectionism.
More likely just a sign the pump is failing.
Vapor lock is a thing of the past ever since fuel pressure was increased for EFI systems. The fuel is not going to boil at 58 PSI line pressure.
Vapor lock is a thing of the past ever since fuel pressure was increased for EFI systems. The fuel is not going to boil at 58 PSI line pressure.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Woodstock, GA
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
However, if pressure got low enough (due to a failing pump) I suppose vapor lock would be possible in the right scenario, but then the primary issue is still the fact that fuel pressure is dropping off so low in the first place.
I agree that the pump is likely failing and the excessive heat/long run duration just exposed its weakness.
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
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From: Woodstock, GA
^ This.
However, if pressure got low enough (due to a failing pump) I suppose vapor lock would be possible in the right scenario, but then the primary issue is still the fact that fuel pressure is dropping off so low in the first place.
I agree that the pump is likely failing and the excessive heat/long run duration just exposed its weakness.
However, if pressure got low enough (due to a failing pump) I suppose vapor lock would be possible in the right scenario, but then the primary issue is still the fact that fuel pressure is dropping off so low in the first place.
I agree that the pump is likely failing and the excessive heat/long run duration just exposed its weakness.
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 144
From: Woodstock, GA
I yanked the fuel pump this morning and it has a racetronix RXP252TE pump. It has less than 30k on it. Could it be that the fuel pressure regulator caused the low pressure issue?
I don't have any confidence in driving the car. I'd hate to throw another Delphi in there when there was nothing wrong with the pump.
I don't have any confidence in driving the car. I'd hate to throw another Delphi in there when there was nothing wrong with the pump.
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Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
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From: Woodstock, GA
I went ahead and ordered a Carter fuel pump and housing. I also ordered one of these: Quantum fuel systems seem to have some good reviews.
1 x QFS In-Tank OEM Replacement Fuel Pump for Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1999-2002, Replaces Racetronix FPA-016, Racetronix FPA-001A
1 x QFS In-Tank OEM Replacement Fuel Pump for Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1999-2002, Replaces Racetronix FPA-016, Racetronix FPA-001A
Last edited by TA_Freak; Aug 14, 2023 at 06:14 AM.
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Woodstock, GA
Slapped the Carter in there and I'm gonna finally put the TA on the road. I love my trap door. Makes a fuel pump change a 15 minute job. I'm going to take my other pump on the road as a spare ... just in case. I'd probably one of the few that have done a fuel pump replacement on the side of the road (in tank).