junior4597
Contributing Member
Hey all - looking to get some information on causes and symptoms of a fuel vapor lock. I've been chasing intermittent issues - stalling at idle, RPM fluctuation underway, and starting hesitation after running for periods of time. Done a lot of troubleshooting and part replacement from fuel to electrical and haven't nailed it down! The stalling usually happens at idle when I'm pulling into a slip or maneuvering using one of the two engines and only after running the boat for a period of time. This doesn't happen if I'm running over to the fuel dock after initial start up etc. RPM gauges fluctuate and sometimes there is a loss in RPM/power when running over 2500 but it's not consistent. Restarting is a challenge after pulling up to a location for lunch or something, I have to crank her over and over and slam her with fuel a bunch of times before it kicks in. All that said I chased a lot of stuff down and finally read a post about fuel vapor lock and how the symptoms are very similar to what I'm experiencing.
I'm going to focus on this now but since it's a new thing for me I'm asking the brain trust a few questions to get me started.
I'm thinking after all I have done to this point that this "might" be something to consider.
As a point of reference, I have...
Crusader 270's circa 1987
Rochester Q jets (rebuilt)
Racor fuel filters
Rubber fuel lines from anti-siphon to carb
single tank
point dizzys (changing them out this week to electronic)
Any help in understanding what causes a vapor lock, how to find it and how to fix it would be greatly appreciated!
I'm going to focus on this now but since it's a new thing for me I'm asking the brain trust a few questions to get me started.
- What are the "typical" symptoms of a vapor lock? I'm sure they vary but.....
- What can cause this?
- What can I look for to chase this down?
- If it's actually my issue, how can it be resolved? loaded question there depending on the outcome/cause
I'm thinking after all I have done to this point that this "might" be something to consider.
As a point of reference, I have...
Crusader 270's circa 1987
Rochester Q jets (rebuilt)
Racor fuel filters
Rubber fuel lines from anti-siphon to carb
single tank
point dizzys (changing them out this week to electronic)
Any help in understanding what causes a vapor lock, how to find it and how to fix it would be greatly appreciated!