Mercedes Mullins
Installing a fuel vapour separator filter can be a solution to vapor lock issues in vehicles. Vapor lock is often caused by excess heat from the engine, which results in fuel boiling in the fuel pump and causing the vehicle to stall. A fuel vapour separator filter can be installed by connecting the vapour line from the filter to the line running from the tank, which ends near the radiator. The device should be mounted as close to the carbs as possible, with the inlet coming from a pressurised source of fuel.
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What You'll Learn
The device must be mounted near the carbs
The fuel vapor separator filter must be installed as close to the carbs as possible. This is because the vapors do not cause a float valve shutoff in the carb, so fuel can flow. This means that there is not enough flow during cranking of a mechanical fuel pump to refill the float bowls quickly enough. An electric pump would not be hindered by the slow cranking speed and would provide full output as soon as the key is turned on.
The inlet of the device needs to come from a pressurized source of fuel. The third nipple, or spigot, needs to be connected to a fuel line returning to the tank vent. This will keep the fuel cooler. The third nipple also needs to be mounted so that the internal end is at the highest point. The charcoal canister vapor line is unsuitable for use as a return line as it will return liquid fuel, which cannot enter the charcoal canister.
The vapor separator filter can be mounted next to the washer bottle, to the right of the radiator. The factory lines will show you exactly where it goes. It is important to ensure the outlet emits vapor and not fuel.
Some people suggest adding a carburetor heat shield, which can help with vapor lock.
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Connect the inlet to a pressurised fuel source
When connecting the inlet to a pressurised fuel source, it is important to ensure that the device is mounted as close to the carburettors as possible. This is because the vapours do not cause a float valve shut-off in the carburettor, allowing fuel to flow.
The inlet needs to be connected to a pressurised source of fuel, such as an electric fuel pump, which will provide full output as soon as the key is turned on. If the electric fuel pump is located in the rear, this is preferable as more of the system is pressurised, preventing liquid-to-gas fuel state changes.
The fuel vapour separator filter should be connected to the main fuel tank supply line, which then connects to the fuel pump. It is important to ensure that the outlet emits vapour and not fuel.
The third nipple of the device needs to be connected to a fuel line returning to the tank vent, and it should be mounted so that the internal end is at the highest point. This fuel line should not be the charcoal canister vapor line, as this will return liquid fuel which cannot enter the charcoal canister.
It is also important to note that the fuel vapour separator filter alone will not cure either type of vapour lock. To cure a fuel pump feed vapour lock, an electric pump in the rear under the tank would be needed. To cure float bowl evaporation, the temperatures of the float bowls should be reduced.
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Connect the third nipple to a fuel line returning to the tank vent
The third nipple on a fuel vapour separator filter needs to be connected to a fuel line that returns to the tank vent. This is because the line will return liquid fuel, which cannot enter the charcoal canister. The internal end of the third nipple should be mounted at the highest point.
The charcoal canister vapor line is unsuitable for use as a return line. If liquid fuel enters the charcoal canister, it will fill the real separator with gas, negating the vent and creating a vacuum in the tank.
The vapor separator filter should be mounted as close to the carbs as possible. The inlet needs to come from a pressurized source of fuel.
Some tanks have a return line to the fuel tank, which can be connected to the vapor line from the filter.
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Ensure the outlet emits vapour, not fuel
The fuel vapour separator is designed to prevent vapour lock, a problem caused by liquid fuel turning into vapour while still in the fuel delivery system. This disrupts the operation of the fuel pump, causing a loss of feed pressure to the carburetor or fuel injection system, resulting in a transient loss of power or complete stalling.
To ensure the outlet emits vapour and not fuel, the device needs to be installed as close to the carburettors as possible. The inlet needs to come from a pressurised source of fuel. The third nipple, or spigot, needs to be connected to a fuel line returning to the tank vent. This third nipple should be mounted so that the internal end is at the highest point.
The charcoal canister vapor line is unsuitable for use as a return line as it will return liquid fuel. This liquid fuel cannot be allowed to enter the charcoal canister. Instead, the return line should be connected to the vapor line from the filter, which runs along the frame to the core support.
If the vapour separator is installed on the suction side of the pump, it will just suck air.
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Add a heat shield to prevent fuel boiling
Installing a heat shield can be an effective way to prevent fuel boiling, also known as "vapor lock". Vapor lock is an indication of a failing fuel pump, as heat will always vaporize some fuel, and a pump in good condition will pump enough fuel to overcome this.
There are several ways to add a heat shield to your engine to prevent vapor lock. One method is to install an aluminium plate that covers the exhaust manifold, acting as a heat sink to disperse the heat. This solution is suggested by a user who experienced vapor lock in warm weather, and found that the shield cooled the carb down.
Another option is to use a heat deflector, which deflects manifold heat away from the distributor and carb, thus reducing the temperature. This method is also supported by an engineer who worked in an oil refinery, where deflecting heat was a crucial part of the process.
Additionally, you can add an insulator piece between the intake manifold and the base of the carburettor, which helps to reduce the heat transferred to the carburettor.
Furthermore, some users suggest that installing an electric fuel pump can resolve vapor lock issues, as it provides full output as soon as the key is turned on, and pressurises more of the system to prevent liquid-to-gas fuel state changes.
Finally, it is recommended to let the engine idle for a couple of minutes before shutting it off after a long drive, as this can help to prevent vapor lock by reducing heat buildup.
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Frequently asked questions
The vapor separator mounts next to the washer bottle to the right of the radiator.
You can route the return line to the tank vent line before the OEM separator or the charcoal canister line that the fuel tank vent is plumbed to.
Yes, you need a Tee to connect the return from the vapor separator.
The inlet needs to come from a pressurized source of fuel.
The third nipple needs to be connected to a fuel line returning to the tank vent.
