Summertime Blues, or, coping with vapor lock and OEM Options

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

I've posted this query here 'cause I figured maybe there would be no smart-a** replies that would be forthcoming from the "garage" forum.

Yes, I know about the front trunk placement of the fuel pump, but for a 70/4, that's hardly original. The only "trick" I am aware of is keeping the fuel tank mostly full, thereby lessening the effect of overly warm gasoline returning to the fuel pump.

Last Sunday, after a particularly spirited drive of some length, and exiting the interstate with about a 1/4 tank of fuel, the dreaded no-idle, sluggish throttle response at low rpm, and frequent stalling made the last few miles challenging. Thankfully, traffic kept moving, as I'm sure that had I been caught in lots of stop-n-go, the 914 would have died until things cooled down.

So, in the interest of keeping things original, does anyone have any other suggestions, if not to completely eliminate, but at least reduce the likelihood of vapor-lock problems?

Paul

[Pat Garvey]

I've posted this query here 'cause I figured maybe there would be no smart-a** replies that would be forthcoming from the "garage" forum.

Yes, I know about the front trunk placement of the fuel pump, but for a 70/4, that's hardly original. The only "trick" I am aware of is keeping the fuel tank mostly full, thereby lessening the effect of overly warm gasoline returning to the fuel pump.

Last Sunday, after a particularly spirited drive of some length, and exiting the interstate with about a 1/4 tank of fuel, the dreaded no-idle, sluggish throttle response at low rpm, and frequent stalling made the last few miles challenging. Thankfully, traffic kept moving, as I'm sure that had I been caught in lots of stop-n-go, the 914 would have died until things cooled down.

So, in the interest of keeping things original, does anyone have any other suggestions, if not to completely eliminate, but at least reduce the likelihood of vapor-lock problems?

Paul

Paul, in the interest of keeping things original, do so. Live with the occasional vapor lock.
I know that your 914 is dead nuts/right on when it comes to originality. To cut the bulkhead for placement of the fuel pump would be sacriligous (sp).
Tom's note applies to late versions, not early (pre-74), though it can be made to work. But, it wouldn't be original.

Look, the heat in your area has been sidnificant, as it is here. When it's this hot, you're prone to vapor lock. Nothing new here - we've had this problem on & off for 40 years.

Live with it, my friend. It's rare. Keep it original.

Pat

ps - I've never had the problem with my 72. Course it hasn't run in 4 years!