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rbhermans · 01-29-2017, 11:39 AM

We took our Class C to Texas and back last Spring. We were towing our Ford Taurus and kept vapor locking . I would guess we sat on the side of the road about 10 times during the trip. When we traveled at night when it was cooler we drove with no problem. At the end of our trip about 10 miles from home we blew a spark plug. I have to put a Helicoil in to repair the threads. Does anyone have any suggestions That I should do before our next trip? I understand Ford had some issues like this that they never resolved around 1988 or so.

BFlinn181 · 01-29-2017, 01:37 PM

Blowing spark plugs was more an issue with early V10 engines because of thin aluminum heads around the plugs. Later engines had more metal, more threads in spark plug hole.

Vapor lock is often a result of low fuel pressure. Check that your fuel pump is putting out proper volume and pressure. Another cause is of course heat. Make sure you have no exhaust leaks blowing on the fuel line. Wrap insulation around fuel line any place it comes close to heat sources.

Nick-B · 01-29-2017, 05:22 PM

Blowing out a spark plug in a cast iron head 460 is very unusual. Consider it a fluke occurrence.
Regarding the vapor lock, 1988 was a transition year for fuel delivery. If you have fuel injection, the fuel pump is a prime suspect as Bob mentioned. If carbureted, do what you can to insulate the fuel line from engine heat.

rbhermans · 01-29-2017, 08:11 PM

It is fuel injected. I replaced the rail fuel pump. I guess I'll have to drop the fuel tank and replace the internal fuel pump as well. I was hoping to avoid that.

BFlinn181 · 01-29-2017, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbhermans

It is fuel injected. I replaced the rail fuel pump. I guess I'll have to drop the fuel tank and replace the internal fuel pump as well. I was hoping to avoid that.

If the tank is mostly empty, it's not a bad job. A weak pump in tank is a classic cause of vapor lock. Good luck with it.

rbhermans · 05-12-2017, 05:21 AM

on my recent trip to Texas in March this year, I experienced the same vapor lock problem. I had thought fixing the blown spark issue would have corrected it, wrong. I broke down with the vapor lock problem in Virginia. I found a wonderful repair station. It did turn out to be the rear fuel pump in the fuel tank, and also a frozen cooling fan clutch. Everything is fixed now, I made it to Texas without anymore vapor lock problems. On the way back to PA we plan to stop at the service station and take the owner and his wife out to dinner. I have never been treated so well, and fairly in my life. With all the work they did it the repair cost was way more than fair.

BFlinn181 · 05-12-2017, 09:29 AM

Thanks for following up on the correction of your problems. I hope you identify the good repair shop and give them good reviews in various places to promote a good experience.