I'm picking up my new 72 240 Friday and driving it home. Since this is happening in August vapor lock is a concern.

I'm attaching a couple of engine bay photos hoping someone can tell if this car has had the vapor lock fixed or attempted to fix.

Anyone?

 

Vapor lock is when the fuel in your fuel rail turns to vapor. This makes it difficult for your pump to supply fuel to the carbs, since the pump is designed to pump a liquid, not a vapor. Your fuel rails are bare and still run directly beside the valve cover. This is a very hot area and you will probably still have problems with vapor lock. I find it helpful to drive with the hood poped open.... This lets some hot air out and the safety catch will keep it from flying open. Hope that helps.
-jeremy-

 

zguy36, thanks for the response.

Are the fuel rails the two polished/chrome tubes that look like brake lines? As stated I am a newbie so please excuse the ignorance.

Also what is the long term fix for this? I'll probably be okay getting the car home, since there shouldn't be very much if any stop and go driving. From what I've read a moving car ventilates well enough to keep the fuel cool, right?

 

You are correct about th fuel lines.You shouldn't have problems with vapor lock on this car. I"ve seen cars with insulation rap on the lines but it looks like ****! I owned a '71 z in So. Calif and never had vapor lock.

 

In '73 Datsun installed electric pumps to help with this problem. The electric fuel pump mounts right by the fuel tank . Your car has the wireing already , look for the green wires rolled up and taped with blue tape tucked up beside the tank on the passangers side. An easy and cheep fix is to go the bone yard and pick up a fuel pump from a RX-7 '79 or '80 . They are carberatered cars and the pump puts our 4psi. which is pirfect. Leave the present pump in place , however add a inline filter before the electric pump. They are little turbines and they dont like crud going through them. Your stock fuel rail is made with a small hole in it at the end of the fuel where it connects to the return line that goes to the tank. This allows excess fuel and air to pass through but maintains pressure in the rail. Best of luck with your new car, enjoy the ride . Sorry to inform you that you are now infected and there is no cure . Gary