Does anyone have suggestions on a 2002 Altima that has vapro lock?
I take the gas cap off and you can definitely hear the typical sounds. I have tried running without the cap on to see if that will assist but it continues. How do I fix this and is it a relatively hard fix for the average joe?
Cars & Trucks - Nissan - Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
Answers & Comments
Vapor lock is caused by fuel getting too hot in a fuel line or fuel rail and is rare since modern fuel system circulate fuel fro the tank to the fuel rails and then excess goes back to the tank. Are you sure you have vapor lock? Please describe all symptoms.
It is normal for some pressure to be present when you remove the cap, but this may be excessive. You need to hook up a pressure test gauge (most parts stores have these in their loan-a-tool equipment) to see if the pressure regulator has failed, or possibly the pump has.
I have a 2002 Altima 2.5. After driving it a short distance and everything is up to normal operating temps, will not start back up when I stop. It turns over like it wants to start, but doesn't kick over. I've had to wait as long as a half hour for things to cool down enough for it to start. I believe this is the dreaded vapor lock issue. Should I put in a lower thermostat to help resolve this issue. My temperature guage reads dead center on the gage, but when I open the hood, there's a lot of heat emanating from the engine bay. This heat could be causing the gas to boil and thus creating the vapor lock condition. Looking for an inexpensive solution to the problem.
I assume you have rough idle or no start when engine is hot. Vapor lock can only occur in older vehicles where fuel pressure is typically 5 to 10 psi. The Altima has normal fuel pressure above 50 psi. Definitely check fuel pressure at the injector fuel rail. A weak fuel pump or clogged filter will develop pressure when the ignition switch is engaged but bleed off when the engine runs. A bad fuel pressure regulator will not allow the pump to develop fuel pressure.