73 Cj-5 Fuel Tank, Fill/vent Hoses & Such...

The fuel filler on this old Jeep was disintegrating when I got the vehicle... Imagine my surprise when I went to put a few gallons of gas in the thing!

So I found a new filler hose, but couldn't find the little "Z" shaped vent hose. I stumbled across a Gates 19604 heater hose is an exact fit, but of course it's not rated for fuel. For the sake of being able to use the thing, I went ahead and bought the Gates hose and it's working fine. (15 bucks and some change)

Has anyone tried a heater hose on their tank fill vent?

Ultimately I found a complete set of filler neck hardware including both hoses, clamps, and the connector that penetrates the main filler hose for $65 bucks or so, but at this point all I really need is the vent hose. The Gates hose may outlive me for all I know.

The flex fuel line is in pretty bad shape so I anticipate having to pull the tank in the not-so-distant future to replace that... And probably the gas gage sender as well. The thing shows between 1/4 and half full with 10 gallons in it. I'm pretty sure that ain't right!

If anyone has words of wisdom, part numbers, tricks or whatever, I'm all ears!

Thanks much!
Regards, Pete

 

I just replaced the tank, hoses and hardware on my 74. The hoses are available through a few different sources, I used barney's on ebay. I also used an mts poly tank with a new sender as well.

 

I've used MTS also. Ron

 

MTS has all the parts for these. MTS COMPANY, L.C. - Jeep CJ/YJ Gas Tanks Read the text for the 0050 or 0050XL tanks. That's the plastic replacement they supply for your year Jeep, and the parts that go with it. You don't have to use their tanks - instead buy a steel replacement tank from RockAuto or elsewhere (if needed), and use the MTS rubber parts.

Heater hose is not compatible with gas and oil. From my experience, oil (like the mist in an air cleaner vent) will make it swell and fall apart, and gasoline splash/fumes will make it harden if it does not soften and drip first. Certainly I would not fill the tank enough so that liquid gas touches the hose.

I'd go ahead and replace all the small hoses on the top of the tank. Be sure to use the best quality hose you can buy - none of the generic parts store stuff. Gates is good, and they make a high-spec hose called Barricade that you may find at a marine or big truck parts store. I'd think you could also substitute fuel-injection-rated hose, which is more expensive but seems to be much higher quality than the generic hose.

You can also buy fuel hose from RockAuto by the foot.
Hoses/Lines & Clamps Fuel Line / Hose Fuel Line / Hose Parts | RockAuto
These listings can come and go, but the availability by the foot of a variety of hose types seems to be improving over time.

 

I'm under no illusion that the Gates formed hose is a permanent fix. I tried to force a piece of fuel vent hose into place and it was simply not possible to keep it from kinking without an outer wound support such as a spring or something. Thus, the formed hose was an ideal short term fix. I just don't know how long it'll last.

I really JUST need the formed vent hose, but it appears that all that can be had is the kit with all the other hardware I don't need. If that's the answer, then so be it.

I do appreciate the links to suppliers! And you're right - The FI hose is a higher quality than typical fuel line since it's reinforced to handle higher positive pressure rather than vacuum or lower pressure for carbs. The tank doesn't look like a lot of fun to get out, but I had to change a '96 Chevy 3500 in-tank (30 gallons) fuel pump this summer in 120 degree heat, and that was no picnic! This one looks a LOT easier.

Thanks for the advice!
Regards, Pete

 

Did you look at the MTS link?



MTS says this is the '72-75 vent hose. Listed separately in plain English text. Call them and ask about availability. I have bought individual hoses for this, though it's been several years.

 

Thanks, Tim! Yes, I did visit the MTS link, but for some reason didn't see this! I just went back again and almost didn't see it again because I didn't understand the format I guess. I'll figger it out I reckon!

 

It can be hard to follow. I use the part numbers to find a vender. Ron