STAN THE ANSWER MAN-DODGE FLATTIE VAPOR LOCKS

Hi Stan-My 56 Dodge flathead six doesn't want to run when the thermometer gets past 80 degrees outside.In fact it just quits running.Any answers from the answer man?

ROB GELFORD New York

Hi Rob-Two words-vapor lock.There are a few reasons why this happens in your old Dodge but the big reason is heat.That flattie engine,like most flatheads, runs a little on the hot side on a good day. Push that outside temperature past 80 and you get a good chance to set up a picnic on the side of the road because you'll have the time. Your car is going to need a cooling off period.

Sometimes a wet rag or better yet, the fuel line running through an ice filled can will speed up the process of cooling or carb spacers will help but the ultimate solution is a fuel pump inside your tank. An inline electric fuel pump near the tank outlet as far away as possible from any heat source is the next best answer.

Unleaded fuel with varying vapor rates aren't an old engine's best friend  but fuel lines routed near exhaust manifolds and old fashioned mechanical fuel pumps are big reasons why that Dodge hates the heat.

Stan