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How do I fix a vapor locked engine?
My car has been stalling on hot days and I think it’s a vapor lock problem. How do I fix a vapor locked engine?
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sorry about your car! Vapor lock gets worse in hot weather, so the best solution is to cool off your engine and fuel system.
You’re right, stalling can be a sign that you might have a vapor lock problem. Vapor lock tends to happen more often in warm weather. Ignition coil problems can masquerade as vapor lock, but they go on all year round.
If you need a quick fix, try:
- Popping the hood to vent the engine
- Parking in a cool area (shaded, not on blacktop)
- Pouring cold water over the fuel system
It’s likely that this problem will reoccur—unless you make some
repairs
to improve the system’s ability to cool down. Be aware that carburetor and fuel-injected vehicles need slightly different solutions. - Install heat shields to fuel lines, fuel pump, and carburetor using insulated tubing or metal plates
- Install fuel injector wrappers to reflect heat
- Install a blocker or carburetor heat insulator
- Install an electric fuel pump near fuel tank with vapor discharge valve (requires a return line)
- Replace the old cooling fan with a modern electrical cooling fan
If you get stuck, take your vehicle to a repair shop. Fuel-injected vehicles especially can be complicated to repair since their electric brain (ECU) requires careful calibration.
Hope this helps!
Roadside assistance
might be worth looking into, if you don’t have the cash to solve this problem right away. It’s usually a cheap monthly add-on and it can give you peace of mind until you can fix the vapor lock.If you have any questions about
car insurance
or coverage, please reach out to Jerry
. Our app can help you quickly find a great policy, and our agents can answer questions via text or phone.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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