2000 Avalon vapor lock

Hi,

I live in Palm Springs, CA where temp in the summer can get up to 120º

If I drive my Avalon for even 15-20 minutes, shut it down and leave it outside in the heat, I can restart it. The battery is fine and the engine turns over but won't start. I can solve the problems sometimes by lifting the hood, removing the gas cap, spreading a towel in my engine compartment and soaking it with water, or a combination of the above.

I think it's vapor lock but the Toyota service center tells me that's impossible but they can't even duplicate the problem much less solve it.

I understand from Toyota literature that some vehicles are equipped with a high temperature fule pressure control valve". How can I find out if my car is so equipped? How much should I expect to pay for one, if I don't have one?

What else can I do to fix this problem? It only happens in the summer.

Thanks in advance.

"If I drive my Avalon for even 15-20 minutes, shut it down and leave it outside in the heat, I can restart it."

Do you mean you can't restart it?

As far as the cost of a HP fuel pressure regulator, call a Toyota dealer parts department and see if one is available and its cost.

Since the fuel lines are under considerable pressure from the tank forward, and with the pump in the tank, it is hard to understand how you could vapor lock.

It is more likely to be a heat-sensitive ignition component than a fuel-related problem. Get your car running and use a hair dryer to heat ignition components. Maybe you will get lucky and cause the car to stall. Then you will know the bad component.

It is more likely to be a heat-sensitive ignition component than a fuel-related problem. Get your car running and use a hair dryer to heat ignition components. Maybe you will get lucky and cause the car to stall. Then you will know the bad component.[/QUOTE]


I wouldn't know an ignition component from a thingamagig. I will take your note to my Toyota dealer, however.

Thanks for your response.

John

You're welcome