Preventing Vapor Lock

[Rebar]

Yes another question on the mysterious "vapor lock."

I have a 1995 Tige with a 454. It has operated flawlessly for 10 years except for the occasional episodes of what we have called "vapor lock."

It is always the same. Only happens 4 - 5 times per year. Usually on hottest days of summer. Has done it since year 2 of ownership. Always when we have dropped a skier and are restarting -- we get about 2-300 yards and then it just sputters. The skier drops and the engine just sits there and sputters for 15 seconds and then dies. Won't start no matter what then. We have always just opened the engine hood and sat around -- usually no longer than 10 minutes. Then it starts up and we're on our way again.

A couple of times it has happened near the dock and we just paddle over and restart in the morning. In the morning it ALWAYS starts right up just like usual.

Then the engine runs perfect for another 30 hours before the next episode.

I would like to know the mechanism of this so called vapor lock and things that I can do on a really hot day to make sure it doesn't happen.

Appreciate your help.

Rebar

[raythompson]

There are a few things.

Use super unleaded instead of regular. It is more resistant to vapor lock as it has a slightly higher vapor point.

Keep you bilge blower running all the time as that will keep fresh, cooler air circulating in the engine compartment.

Insulate your fuel lines with material designed for fuel lines. It typically has fiberglass with an alumunim foil covering.