Glossary / General

vapor lock

10 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

Vapor lock is when the fuel in the line turns into gas because it's too hot, which can stop the engine from getting the fuel it needs to run. It's like having a blockage in the fuel line.

Technical Definition

Vapor lock occurs when fuel in the fuel line vaporizes due to excessive heat, preventing liquid fuel from reaching the engine. This can lead to engine stalling or difficulty starting.

Hear It Discussed

"the first the first instance with your mother could well have been the fuel pump it could also have been vapor lock okay but i don't think it was"
#2631: The MechanXfiles The Best of Car Talk 23:57

"but that was pretty you know the biggest issue was the vapor lock [4112.6s] yeah so he was vapor locking the entire time have you ever dealt with vapor lock on a car"
Never Build a Whole Car: Autopian's David Tracy and Griffin Riley The Smoking Tire 08:28

"[977.5s] You're not going to get vapor lock because you've got fuel pressure. You can't have a vapor lock [982.1s] when you have, you can have 100% alcohol in that tank. E-100. You cannot vapor..."
Under The Hood Your Live Car Questions Answered Now Under The Hood show 16:17