Vapor Lock & Higher Octane

[PAUL161]

Never got into this in all the years I've been around automobiles, but is a higher octane gas less susceptible to vapor lock than lower octane? :uncomfortableness: PJ

 

[coldplugs]

... but is a higher octane gas less susceptible to vapor lock than lower octane? :uncomfortableness: PJ

Good question. The answer is no, but gas blended for summer use is less susceptible than winter gas. Google "RVP vapor lock" & I suspect you'll get more info than you need.

 

[JPSmit]

However, higher octane gas is less likely to contain ethanol - and I do believe that ethanol infused gas is more susceptible. it certainly brings other nasties.

I only run shell gold in Ms Triss and she seems to like it better.

 

[PAUL161]

I only run non ethanol in the TF, but 87 octane. Had a vapor lock problem the other day coming back from a show in the late afternoon. I have a Barrie Jones heat shield, but it's stainless and the heat comes right through it as if it wasn't even there! I'm going to pull it off and insulate the back side and rivet on a high heat reflective blanket material. PJ

 

[waltesefalcon]

In cars that I have had that were prone to vapor lock I tended to wrap the exhaust pipe in header tape. It's not a perfect solution but it does help bring down the overall temperature under the hood and can help.

 

[Bayless]

I've never had a car with a vapor lock problem but I tried to solve it on a '50 Packard for a friend. After rebuilding the fuel pump (never agree to tackle one of those beasts again) and various heat shields, the only thing that worked was an electric pusher pump at the tank.

 

[DNK]

This is octane related so...
What's with the middle western part of the country selling 85 octane and getting hi bucks for it?
Never seen anything less than 87

 

[PAUL161]

Only place I've ever encountered 85 octane was in the high elevations of the mountains in Colorado. Never saw it in Oklahoma. PJ

 

[DNK]

Never knew you needed it in hi country

 

[PAUL161]

Never knew you needed it in hi country

I'm assuming the lower octane was because of the thinner air at high altitude. I don't think it was very popular, or even if it's still available. PJ

 

[DNK]

Yes it's still available, saw it in 2 different states