Well guys, had the boat out for the first time and it ran great when cold start and cruising, but after sitting and pulling skiers it gets the dreaded vapor lock. Even died on me when I idling back into the marina. I can restart it but as soon as I put it in gear it stumbles and dies.

I searched and see tons of different answers so I thought I would start a fresh topic to get all ideas.

This is a fresh rebuilt 351 so I can eliminate that. Carbed motor.

1. What is the correct thermostat, 140 degree or 160 degree? Mine runs 160 and pushes 170-175 when the issue happens.

2. Phenolic spacer and heat shields- are these band aid fixes or do they actually work?

3. Mechanical fuel pumps - obviously this is bolted to the side of the block and soaks a lot of heat. How did they deal with this in the older days? Is ethanol content in fuel becoming a big issue?

4. Fuel line insulation - I assume this will help? Any one gone this route?