
I'll also guess that the electric fuel pump is a compression pump if so, running it would increase the absolute pressure of the fuel, helping to prevent vapor lock. I don't know much about general aviation engines, but it sounds as though the main pump is a suction pump, which introduces the possibility of vapor lock, and I'll guess that it's mechanically-driven by the engine for reliability reasons. A pump inside a fuel tank is nearly universally powered by an electric motor, because a mechanical connection would be more difficult to seal against fuel leaks. Compression fuel pumps must be guaranteed a flow of fuel, which is why they are usually located inside the fuel tank in cars. 11 to 15 RVP (cool to cold weather) fuel will change from liquid to a vapor at lower fuel temperature than 8 to 10 RVP (warm to hot weather) fuel will. Find out what the RVP of the fuel in the boat’s fuel tank is. Fuels containing alcohol are more likely to vapor lock on hot days. (Flow restrictions would also tend to lower the absolute pressure of the fuel locally, as points out.) Vapor lock problems had been common in automobiles in hot weather, until engineers switched from suction fuel pumps to compression fuel pumps, which increase the pressure of the fuel. Find out what type of fuel is in the boat’s fuel tank. The problem is exacerbated by suction pumps, which reduce the absolute pressure of the fuel. Vapor lock is what happens when enough bubbles of gasoline vapor collect in a particular location to prevent a pump that is designed to pump liquid fuel, not vapor, from delivering fuel to an engine. Furthermore, The most common indications include engine stalling or frequent stalling, difficulty starting the engine, or a sudden loss of power during operation, especially in high-heat environments. If the vapor pressure is higher than the local absolute pressure in the fuel, then bubbles will start to form, like bubbles on the side of a glass of champagne. What are the signs of a vapor lock issue in a UTV Signs can include stalling, difficulty starting, or loss of power in high-heat environments. Try filling up your fuel tank more frequently and avoiding high-temperature areas when possible. If found, replace the fuel cap, and if possible, move the mower to a cooler location. As the temperature of gasoline increases, so does its vapor pressure (or vapour pressure, if you prefer). Check the fuel delivery system for signs of vapor lock, such as air bubbles in the fuel lines.
