Fuel tank identification question

I have a '66 CJ5 with the V6. I'm attaching some pictures of the tank I just pulled from it. It has a crack near the lower rear seam area, and I'll be patching it up for now, as I fear the tank is beyond worth repairing, but at some point I'd like to replace it. Based on the locations of the return line and other external features, does this look like the original tank this CJ5 should have come with? The Omix-Ada tanks I'm finding don't show a return line hookup anywhere on top of the tank, or not in this location. I also have no idea where the replacement tanks I'm seeing will place the supply line hookup, as they don't show any bottom pics. And I'm guessing the other item on the bottom near the supply line is a drain? The tank was bone dry when I dropped since the crack was so low.

If the Omix-Ada 17720.06 on Amazon for instance isn't this tank, does anyone know what one is? Amazon and other sources tell me that's the right replacement metal tank, but I'm not seeing where to hookup the return line on that particular one, without modifying the tank myself. Or is that common practice with these tanks?

 

The tank I've used had both the feed and return lines in the sending unit plate. The tank you have is what I'd call an 'early' style, with the sender secured by 6 screws, and the feed out the bottom. These never had a return line, AFAIK.

I would go with an MTS tank, with the proper type sender. http://www.mtscompany.com/jeep.htm - 0042 here. 0041 will also work, and you can keep your sender.

 

I was wondering that, but then I did find this other thread (via Google Image Search of all things) and it seems to be the same tank, also described as from a '66. From the impression I got, at least having that return line is correct, and the parts on the Jeep itself seem original (all metal lines). I could upgrade to a newer sending unit, but I'd have to relocate the return line a bit and do some plumbing work. I suppose the nicer sending unit would be nice to have though, if I can't find a replacement tank with all the fittings in the right places.

 

I'd look it up in the parts books, but my books don't go back that far. Maybe somebody with those sources will respond.

If there is a third type of tank (with a feed line in the bottom and return on the top), it's not available aftermarket AFAIK.

 

my 66 that has a Buick has the same tank style with return line and sending unit. I ended up getting lucky and picked up a used tank off a member here that happened to be in good condition. Mine rusted in the same spot, probably due to leaves get stuck back behind the tank.

When researching what tank to get I think I recall you can get a 4 cylinder tank that has the 6 screw sender and then take it to a shop and have the return line put it. Again I don't remember if it has the provisions for the drain bolt. Its been a while sense I had to look for a gas tank.
If given the choice for new tank I would go with the poly that Timgr recommended.

 

My68 V6 CJ5 which I think has the orig tank has the same tank as your pics, return line at top and feed to pump at the bottom. I used to have a 69 and it had the later type tank with the fuel feed and return both coming out of sender unit. If all your fuel lines look original I would be interested in pics or a diagram of how all the lines are routed and what they are made of. Mine has a combo of metal and nylon lines which I'm not sure is original.

 

My '68 has the same tank as pictured.


this is about as close to it as I have seen and this one would need to be modded for a return line as someone above suggested.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/17720-06-Steel-Gas-Tank-134-CI-Jeep-CJ5-CJ6-1955-1969-/400341506421?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1968%7CMake%3AJeep%7CModel%3ACJ5%7CSubmodel%3ABase%7CEngine+-+Liter_Display%3A3.7L&hash=item5d36369975&vxp=mtr

 

Sure, I'll try to get more pics by this weekend.

 

Ok, got some more pics. If you need any more angles on it, just let me know. There's a lot of rust, I know.











The radiator shop had the opinion that the rust is too far gone. I pulled the sending unit, someone has already tried to seal it before, and upon closer examination the bottom has already been patched a couple times. Guess it's time to retire this one. I'll have to look for another one, or find a way to put that return fitting on an Omix-Ada tank.

 

Those are great pics, that helps a lot on figuring out where my fuel lines go. Does your return line continue along the frame to the pump? Is it steel all the way? Does the main fuel feed line follow the same route or along the edge of oil pan? Your tank sure looks shot, I would think the rad shop could solder you a return line fitting on top of a new repro 4 cyl tank to make it work with your existing v6 fuel line setup