Hi Guest!
Hey - did you know if you click on the title of a thread it will take you to the first unread post since you last visited that thread?
but were afraid to ask: 
STOP!! Never post your email address in open forums. Bots can "harvest" your email! If you must share your email use a Private Message or use the 
smilie in place of the real @
Pretty Please - add it to our Events forum(s) and add to the calendar! >> 
bigjones
Jedi Warrior
Offline
Hi folks,
Bit late to chime in on this. I haven't visited the forum for quite awhile. Frank's passing took it out of me - I never met the guy but he was my hero in regards to Spridgets. So I kind of lost interest in the whole thing.
Anyways, as Doug mentioned, I replaced the mechanical pump in my 1500 with an electric pump. Since then there has been no vapor lock problems. Previous to that, I tried replacing the mechanical pump with a new one, insulating the fuel lines, ventilating under the hood, and other stuff, to no avail.
I came to the conclusion that while there is obviously nothing inherently wrong with mechanical fuel pumps, it didn't work in the 1500 here in the US where outside temps get over 100F. I think it has to do with the cramped conditions under the hood and no ventilation. Also, as has been pointed out, they later, in the 1500 life, swapped in a fuel pump with a fatter gasket. Why's that? What came first - the fatter gasket (for more insulation) or the longer stroke pump?
The vapor lock issue was more than just an inconvenience, I came close to getting rear-ended on two ocassions - so something had to be done. It is slightly more work because you have to cut the steel fuel line at the fuel tank but other than that no problem. Also, I actually like the thump-thump of the pump when you turn on the ignition - it's reassuring. Also easier to pump out fuel for your lawn-mower!
Cheers!
Bit late to chime in on this. I haven't visited the forum for quite awhile. Frank's passing took it out of me - I never met the guy but he was my hero in regards to Spridgets. So I kind of lost interest in the whole thing.
Anyways, as Doug mentioned, I replaced the mechanical pump in my 1500 with an electric pump. Since then there has been no vapor lock problems. Previous to that, I tried replacing the mechanical pump with a new one, insulating the fuel lines, ventilating under the hood, and other stuff, to no avail.
I came to the conclusion that while there is obviously nothing inherently wrong with mechanical fuel pumps, it didn't work in the 1500 here in the US where outside temps get over 100F. I think it has to do with the cramped conditions under the hood and no ventilation. Also, as has been pointed out, they later, in the 1500 life, swapped in a fuel pump with a fatter gasket. Why's that? What came first - the fatter gasket (for more insulation) or the longer stroke pump?
The vapor lock issue was more than just an inconvenience, I came close to getting rear-ended on two ocassions - so something had to be done. It is slightly more work because you have to cut the steel fuel line at the fuel tank but other than that no problem. Also, I actually like the thump-thump of the pump when you turn on the ignition - it's reassuring. Also easier to pump out fuel for your lawn-mower!
Cheers!