vapor lock

vapor lock
[1] This is an unwanted condition where bubbles of air form in the fuel line caused by boiling or vaporizing of the fuel in the lines from excess heat. The boiling will interfere with the movement of the fuel and the air bubbles which form will in some cases, completely stop the flow. Sometimes it will cause the float chamber to overflow which floods the carburetor and result in an over-rich mixture that can cause stalling of the engine when the accelerator is depressed. Fuels containing alcohol have lower boiling points and many old-car owners have installed more-powerful electric fuel pumps which overcome vapor lock tendencies of these fuels by pushing them through the air bubble. A wet rag will cool the line and get rid of the problem. To prevent the problem in hot weather, some mechanics wrap tinfoil around the fuel lines to reflect the heat away.
[2] The abnormal condition that occurs when brake fluid contains too much moisture and is overheated, causing the moisture in the fluid to boil. Gas bubbles are formed in the fluid, which causes a spongy brake pedal or a complete loss of hydraulic pressure.
[3] Condition where liquid is trapped in line because of bend or improper installation. Such vapor prevents liquid flow.

Dictionary of automotive terms. 2015.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Vapor lock — (also known as vapour lock) is a problem that mostly affects gasoline fueled internal combustion engines. It occurs when the liquid fuel changes state from liquid to gas while still in the fuel delivery system. This disrupts the operation of the… …   Wikipedia

  • vapor lock — [vapɔʀlɔk] n. m. ÉTYM. 1964; mots angl. (1934), de vapor, var. amér. de vapour « vapeur », et lock « obstruction », de to lock « fermer, verrouiller ». ❖ ♦ Angl. Techn. Panne d alimentation d un moteur à explosion (avion …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • vapor lock — ☆ vapor lock n. a blocking or slowing of the flow of liquid fuel to an internal combustion engine, caused by excessive heat which vaporizes fuel in the fuel line, fuel pump, etc …   English World dictionary

  • vapor-lock — See vapor lock. * * * …   Universalium

  • vapor lock — noun Date: 1926 partial or complete interruption of flow of a fluid (as fuel in an internal combustion engine) caused by the formation of bubbles of vapor in the feeding system …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • vapor lock — A condition of fuel starvation caused by liquid fuel turning into vapor in the fuel lines, thus preventing the flow of liquid fuel to the carburetor …   Aviation dictionary

  • vapor lock — va′por lock n. aum phs an obstruction to the flow of fuel to a gasoline engine caused by the formation of bubbles in the fuel …   From formal English to slang

  • vapor lock — noun a stoppage in a pipeline caused by gas bubbles (especially a stoppage that develops in hot weather in an internal combustion engine when fuel in the gas line boils and forms bubbles that block the flow of gasoline to the carburetor) • Syn:… …   Useful english dictionary

  • vapor lock — an obstruction to the flow of fuel to a gasoline engine, caused by the formation of bubbles in the gasoline as a result of overheating. * * * …   Universalium

  • vapor lock — The displacement of liquid fuel in the feed line and the interruption of normal motor operation, caused by the vaporization of light ends in the gasoline. Vaporization occurs when the temperature at some point in the fuel system exceeds the… …   Petroleum refining glossary

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