Hi all,
I've been having problems with my Mopar fuel injection setup, converted to a single supply line with the pressure regulator near the fuel tank. Specifically, in hot weather (West Texas hot), the engine would die after driving several hours. I'd wait for the Jeep to cool down a bit or I'd bleed the air out of the fuel line, it'd run for a while, then it'd die again. At night it was fine, likewise in cooler weather. After many-a-troubleshooting attempts with help from Benny at Hesco, it seems to be narrowed down to one of two things: overheating fuel pump or foaming gas (or a combination of both). The first could be caused by the external pump used by Mopar kit, as it's very close to the exhaust. The second could be caused by the return line spraying (versus dribbling with mechanical fuel pump) from the top of the tank into the fuel, causing the fuel to foam in the heat. This second is especially possible with all the new fuel additives our glorious masters decided we need in our fuel (the problem has gotten worse in the past year).
The solution to both of the above problems was either serious modification of a factory tank or an after market fuel tank. Not having the time (or the necessary skills) to modify a factory tank, I went with a replacement tank for my Scrambler from Aerotanks at
The fuel tank came set up for fuel injection, which costs extra. The fuel injection setup provides a mount for an electric fuel pump, which doubles as a return line that goes to the bottom of the tank. I ended up using a fuel pump used in GM six cylinder engines, as a Jeep fuel pump needed extra pieces to attach the fuel sock to the pump.
The sending unit is compatible with the Jeep's sending unit. The output fuel line is 3/8", and the return line is 5/16". The carbon cannister connects directly to the tank's rollover valve.
The good
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- It is solid. I'd bet good money that the Jeep could be lifted by this gas tank (although I won't try).
- The fit was good. The only "customizing" I had to do was to bend back a piece of metal that had long ago been bent, i.e. not a problem the tank itself. A transmission jack makes things go much easier.
- Easy to run lines and wires. A bit easier than the factory tank.
- Built-in rollover valve. Pitch that pile of junk in the rear driver's quarter panel.
- Decent pre- and post-sale support (though not perfect - see "annoying" below).
- Huge tank. My gauge still hasn't moved :).
- Much quieter fuel pump, especially when surrounded by 30+ gallons of fuel :).
The bad
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- The coating on the tank is crap. The tape they used to cover various connectors peels the coating off, and Goof-Off will strip the coating as you try to remove the tape residue. I cleaned up the loosest stuff and gave it a coating of rubberized undercoating.
- Seems to have been damaged slightly during packing. About 1/8" dimple on an edge. I don't think it was UPS, as paint was rubbed off, yet there was no corresponding damage or paint on the shipping box. Not worth the effort and time to return it though - it's hardly noticeable.
The annoying
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- No pre-drilled holes. I can somewhat understand this, as I imagine AMC was probably not too exact in hole placement. I only ended up drilling three new holes in my Scrambler.
- Bit of a pain to center, mostly because of a lack of bolt holes or any other references on the tank.
- No hardened carriage bolts included. I still have to order those on- line. The install sheet says to drill new holes in the rear, but it's not feasible - you can't reach to hold the bolt head on the rear once the tank is in place. You need carriage bolts.
- I originally was told that the return line did not go to the bottom of the tank, and was expecting to have to extend it myself. This is not a criticism of their design, which I much prefer, but of the pre- sales support.
- The fill neck line is 1 1/4" rather than 1" (their web site claims compatible with factory). Jacob @ Aerotank said the factory fill line can be stretched, but I've long ago replaced my fill line with some very sturdy 1" line. I made an adapter by overlapping 1 1/4" line on top of my 1" line and supporting it with a 1" metal line, and Aerotanks is sending me a proper adapter.
- It'll likely interfere with your existing tailpipe. You'll have to cut it off and get another made.
- Non-standard parts. If Aerotanks ever goes under and I'm in need of a part, it could be problematic.
Overall, a good product for Jeeps, especially for those looking to solve fuel injection issues or who want extended range. Expect to take a hit in mileage, as a full tank of gas approaches 400 lbs. And if your springs are 25 years old (like mine), expect a bit of sag (next project, I guess - any recommendations?).
Beware that it is quite a bit more expensive than a factory tank setup, but in line with other good quality after-market tanks. You get what you pay for.
I'll post another review after I'm able to thoroughly test during my next trip out west to see if this really fixes the problem.
Michael.
P.S. I hope this makes it through the news group noise and various reader filters.