Hot starting problem.

[Tommy]

We're wandering into the percolation vs. evaporation vs. vapor lock conversation. The approach to each is different. As was noted in the earliest replies, diagnosis is the best first step.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Tommy

We're wandering into the percolation vs. evaporation vs. vapor lock conversation. The approach to each is different. As was noted in the earliest replies, diagnosis is the best first step.

Or... we could write down every possible repair we can think of on pieces of paper and then put them all in a hat. Every couple of days the OP pulls a piece of paper out of the hat and performs that repair. Sooner or later he will stumble on the correct solution and problem solved.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Or... we could write down every possible repair we can think of on pieces of paper and then put them all in a hat. Every couple of days the OP pulls a piece of paper out of the hat and performs that repair. Sooner or later he will stumble on the correct solution and problem solved.

That’s kind of the general modus-operandi of all car forums.

[Daytona Dek]

Originally Posted by Tom Kirkham

In addition to what others have recommended, look into a bypassing fuel pressure regulator. It works extremally in curing vapor lock.

Thanks Tom. Excuse my ignorance but what do you mean by a “bypassing” fuel regulator and how exactly does it cure vapour lock? By increasing/decreasing fuel pressure?

[Daytona Dek]

Originally Posted by bkozlow

SOME PICTURES WOULD BE NICE TO SEE WHAT YOU ARE WORKING WITH. If you haven't gone to an air box you should consider it as it will drop your carb temp that it maybe enough to solve your problem. Look at the air box in my album.

BillK

If it were easier to upload photos you might have them. I’ve got an oval Cobra air filter on top of an Edelbrock carb.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Daytona Dek

Thanks Tom. Excuse my ignorance but what do you mean by a “bypassing” fuel regulator and how exactly does it cure vapour lock? By increasing/decreasing fuel pressure?

A 'bypassing' fuel regulator has a return line that carries the fuel back to the tank that's not needed by the carburetor. That maintains a flow of cool fuel, whereas a 'blocking' type regulator holds that fuel and releases to the carburetor only what it needs. By holding the fuel it provides greater time for the fuel to heat up.

More: https://helpcenter.jegs.com/hc/en-us...egulators-Work

[Tommy]

Dek,
There are three common heat related fuel problems. Vaporization is when the car sits for a while and heat vaporizes fuel in the float bowl. That problem is solved when the engine is cranked over long enough for the fuel pump to refill the bowl. . . Percolation is when conditions are hot enough (usually after engine shutdown) to boil the fuel and push it out of the float bowl into the throat of the carb and down into the intake. This can create a a flooded condition on engine start AND empty float bowls. . . Vapor lock applies only to the fuel pump (mechanical or electrical). As the pump sucks fuel in from the supply line it reduces the pressure and if the fuel is warm enough it will vaporize. Fuel pumps don't move vapor well so little to no fuel will go to the carb. The problem can be solved in the short term by cooling the fuel pump and supply line. It can also be solved as described by Brian and Tom by allowing fuel to flow through the pump continuously with unneeded fuel being sent back to the tank. The problem can also be solved by placing an electric fuel pump upstream from the mechanical pump in a cooler location. It can apply pressure to fuel going to the mechanical pump so that fuel is less likely to vaporize even at higher temps.

This smorgasbord of problems and causes is why diagnosis is so helpful.

[Daytona Dek]

Originally Posted by Tommy

Dek,
There are three common heat related fuel problems. Vaporization is when the car sits for a while and heat vaporizes fuel in the float bowl. That problem is solved when the engine is cranked over long enough for the fuel pump to refill the bowl. . . Percolation is when conditions are hot enough (usually after engine shutdown) to boil the fuel and push it out of the float bowl into the throat of the carb and down into the intake. This can create a a flooded condition on engine start AND empty float bowls. . . Vapor lock applies only to the fuel pump (mechanical or electrical). As the pump sucks fuel in from the supply line it reduces the pressure and if the fuel is warm enough it will vaporize. Fuel pumps don't move vapor well so little to no fuel will go to the carb. The problem can be solved in the short term by cooling the fuel pump and supply line. It can also be solved as described by Brian and Tom by allowing fuel to flow through the pump continuously with unneeded fuel being sent back to the tank. The problem can also be solved by placing an electric fuel pump upstream from the mechanical pump in a cooler location. It can apply pressure to fuel going to the mechanical pump so that fuel is less likely to vaporize even at higher temps.

This smorgasbord of problems and causes is why diagnosis is so helpful.

Thanks for that detailed and clear explanation Tommy. Appreciate it. Personally I think the symptoms fit vaporisation. If I switch off and immediately try to restart it will. If I leave it say 5 minutes then I have to churn it. I’ll try the opening the throttle 1/3 then to the floor technique and see what happens. I should add that when starting from cold after a long period of standing in the garage my technique is to switch ignition on, churn for about 5 seconds, pump throttle about 3 times. It will then either fire or start. If it doesn’t start 1 or 2 more pumps of the throttle usually does the trick. Having a mechanical fuel pump I assume that the carb needs priming first. My roadster with an electric fuel pump is a completely different kettle of fish. 3 pumps of the throttle even after prolonged standing, switch ignition on press start button-bingo!