Expert: Daniel - 5/9/2007

Question
I have a 1999 Acura TL with the 3.2 engine. The check engine light came on, so checking the code I found it came up with vapor lock. What can be done to fix this problem?

Answer
"Vapor lock is a problem that mostly affects gasoline-fueled internal combustion engines. It occurs when the liquid fuel changes state from liquid to vapor while still in the fuel delivery system. This disrupts the operation of the fuel pump, causing loss of feed pressure to the carburetor or fuel injection system, resulting in transient loss of power or complete stalling. Restarting the engine from this state may be difficult. The fuel can vaporize due to being heated by the engine, by the local climate or due to a lower boiling point at high altitude. In regions where higher volatility fuels are used during the winter to improve the starting of the engine, the use of "winter" fuels during the summer can cause vapor lock to occur more readily."  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vapour_lock

Icase you were wondering what it ment. Take your car to any mechanics shop and get them to flush the fuel tank and fuel injection system, that should clear the issue.


Thanks,
Daniel