[T3] vapor lock cont'd

[David Y <goob@adelphia.net>]

<x-flowed>The vapor lock saga continues... After returning from aformentioned 
glorious road test (with engine temp at 185 or so when i shut it down... 
and on flat ground) with a little more than 4/5 tank of gas I waited 10-15 
minutes, and tried to start the car. Once again, the classic vapor lock 
symptoms!! So, after opening the rear lid and seeing that the in-line 
filter was dry, this was the sequence of my attempt to further diagnose:

1) I first tried Jim's suggestion to remove the gas cap. When I took it 
off, there was no sound of air release/vacuum, and this didn't bring fuel 
into the in-line filter.  Thus, I think we can rule out improper tank venting.

2) Next, I removed the fuel hose at the gas pump connector, and low and 
behold, gas began to flow out, although very sporadically and sputtering, 
not a smooth flow (should it be? Again, car is on a totally flat surface).

3) I tried to start the car again, and it almost caught, but then died 
again, and I returned to a dry filter.

4) I poured cold water over the gas pump (which was hot to the touch) and 
heard a very distinctive sound of something reacting inside the pump... 
VOILA... I looked back to see a totally full filter, started the car right 
up, and was able to drive it with no problem.

So, what would cause the fuel pump to react like this? I had this same pump 
on my dying 80K mile GEX that I cooked to 300 deg. every day on my commute 
waiting for it to blow, and I never experienced a problem with the pump 
overheating (nor did the GEX ever blow ;).

Also, with an almost-full tank on flat ground, should the gas really flow 
steadily thought he line at the gas pump, or should it be weak/sporadic?

TIA!

Dave Y.
68 Sqbk


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