I used AV fuel for years in my GTO due to vapor lock, need for higher
octane, etc. Car's & Parts recently did a excellent article on
today's fuels including the use of AV gas. They highly recommended
not using AV fuel in cars as it contains huge amounts of some kind on
antifreeze which can be harmful to automotive engines.
I too think a electric fuel pump is asking for a disaster. The Amphi
doesn't require very much pressure (2 to 3 pounds).
I have never had a overheating or vapor lock issues since my radiator
was recored. On those extremely hot days I have a bilge blower in the
engine compartment that takes the heat right out and makes all run
cooler and start right up, even after shutting it off on a hot day.
Probably wouldn't even need the blower since Amphi doesn't run hot at
all.
I did add a heat shield under the carburetor and did notice a
considerable difference right away. Plus those occasional rare drips
of gas from the carb don't go into the bilge which can be a bad
thing.
Ron Green
--- In
amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, glennyrosa@... wrote:
>
> My guess is the purpose of an electric fuel pump is to avoided
vapor lock issues. My other guess is that I have been blessed. I
have driven my Amphi on triple digit days over high passes without a
problem. However, I became paranoid reading about vapor lock
problems with Amhpi's that I installed a hi temp heat hose over the
fuel line where it passes around the valve cover and over the exhaust
manifold. What a dumb F--K'in design.
>
> Which brings me to another thought: How many people drive their
Amphi's with low octane fuel? The cheap fuel has a lower boiling
point and will vapor lock before a higher octane will.
>
> I run my Amphi on 100LL avgas because my heads haven't been
modified with stelite seats and hardened valves yet. 100LL still has
a small amount of lead to preserve my valve integrety. Avgas also has
an additive which increases the boiling temp of fuel to prevent vapor
lock. The boiling temp of fuel decreases as the atmospheric pressure
drops. Pretty embarrassing to have an engine quit at altitude
because of vapor lock. This has been a HUGE problem in aircraft ever
since car fuel has been approved for some airplanes. Dumb idea.
>
> Sure the avgas cost more, but think about it. How many miles do
you drive your car a year? 500 miles and 150 in the water? What's
the difference in price? $50 maybe?
>
> My 1st suggestion is to switch to a higher grade of fuel if yer not
already doing so and see what effect that has on you fuel vapor
problem. If that doesn't help, I'd suggest going to your local
airport and trying some avgas. Bring your 5 gallon jugs. Most
airports are prohibited from fueling cars. Some won't want to do
your jerry cans. 100LL is very popular with the snowmobilers around
here due to the low vapor pressure of aviation fuel.
>
> High temp motors and vapor lock seem to be a common problem with
this car. My Amphi is nearly stock and I have never had a problem
with hi temps or vapor lock.
>
> The price of an electric fuel pump could make up the difference in
the price of avgas over a year.
>
> Sure there's a design flaw in the fuel system. Owners have battled
this problem over the years making hideous heat shields and what not
to their cars when all they needed may have been a higher grade of
motion lotion.
>
> Can the electric pump until you have eliminated all other cures.
>
> Glenn in oregon cold and wet but with new axles, bearings and seals
this weekend. Woo Hoo!
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
> From: lah20car@...
> In a message dated 4/18/2007 6:29:40 PM Central Daylight Time,
peter.pociask@... writes:
>
>
> getting rid of the
> mechanical fuel pump in favor of an electric
>
>
> Not a good idea---- IMHO--tooooo much fuel pressure, requiring a
regulator which after two months cratered on mine putting fuel all
over where it did not need to be at a high rate.
>
> I kept mine inline but with a switch to turn on or off, as on the
first start after its been sitting but with the stock engine driven
pump for normal use, but thats why Dave pays taxs, so everyone can do
what they like.
>
>
> **************************************
> See what's free at
http://www.aol.com.
>
