I am a newbie to this board, but I am quite familiar with how annoying it is when a newbie asks questions which can easily be answered with some reading... I HAVE DONE THAT TWICE !!!<br /><br />I have a I/O mercruiser 5/7L 8cyl small block engine with a 4bbl carb. I am pretty sure I have what people have referred to as vapor lock... I know this because I can VERY EASILY start when cold, but after approx. 45 minutes of riding, it becomes almost impossible to start... If I use water cooled towels to cover the metal gas tube a couple of minutes and properly ventilate the bilge I can avoid the hard start...<br /><br />NOW, the gracious people on this board have recommended the following.<br />- ventilate the engine compartment as much as possible. and cool down gas intake with water cooled towel.<br />- possibly replace METAL gas intake with a rubber gas intake??? However others have suggested, this could be VERY DANGEROUS, thus requiring further discussion.<br /><br />My point is, is that SURELY, there must be a permanent fix, what is it?<br />Is it a matter of using a particular fuel?<br />rebuilding the carbuerator?<br />wrapping the metal gas intake with insulation?<br />adding another blower, but I think this can't possible help enough...?<br />adding a clamshell vent opening to swallow up air, but I am concerned about the saltwater getting in...?<br /><br />PLEASE HELP !!! I read that vapor lock was common... How have you all conteracted this?
