Fuel Tank, Fuel Lines, and Exhaust

My '70 has the 225 V-6 with fenderwell headers and the PO mounted the mufflers under each door opening. Here is a pic showing the relationship:


I'm a little conerned about heat from the exhaust doing bad things being that close to the tank. Does anyone else run a similar setup with the underseat gas tank? If so, did you insulate the tank in any way? I'm thinking of using some type of waterproof insulation as a pad for the bottom of the tank, I just have to find something that will work.

I also have a question about running fuel lines as I would rather not cross over the exhaust to run along the frame. The PO has rubber lines running the whole distance zip tied to the tub and I want to replace these with steel.

Jim

 

I would think that a metal heat shield would be preferable to any insulation that might collect debri that could burn. I agree with the concerns about the all rubber fuel circuit. I have seen some mufflers manufactured with an integral shield but I do not have a source for you. Hopefully, somebody will chime in.

 

Thats pertty much the way mine is set up, a pic is about half way down on this post http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28275 .

I'm not running any insulation and I'm not dead yet... so it can't be too bad. But then again, I have about 3 inches of space and there's nothing connecting it to the body except a rubber strap attached at the wheel area. I also have rubber hoses, but they run inside the frame (hole between seats) while the exahust is on the outside, so I'm not too worried about that. I've also never noticed it getting hot down there...

But what it comes down to is what you feel safe with. Some people think I'm absolutly mad for sitting on my gas tank. I could care less. (if I got hit hard enough to blow the tank, I'm screwed anyways) If it makes you feel better, by all means install a heat shield. I would recommend a medal one though, with bugs, dirt and water being what it is. JMO

 

Summit and Jegs should have exhaust heat shields that you could adapt to your muffler for pretty cheap if your real concerned about it. And I agree with needing to change to the steel lines. Just make sure you use some rubber sections between the tank/frame and the frame/fuel pump. That way the flex between everything wont crack or break a hard line.

 

I've never had a problem w/ running strictly rubber lines. Been doing it for a few years now. Prolly because Ohio doesn't require that crazy "inspection" thing.

 

I have the same setup with the mufflers under the the gas tanks. I've never had any trouble from it.

 

same setup here, but with a gas leak. even though it gets hot enough to burn my feet on the floor board form the headders, im still kickin.
i am going to wrap it in headder wrap though to cool the floor off. might put a shield around the muffler.

 

I have a similar setup and do not have the floor getting hot enough to make me worry about the tank. I have about 3 inches of air between.

 

I wouldn't be too worried about the heat from the exhaust. However, if you want to feel a little safer, definately go with a metal heat shield. As for the fuel lines, I have done it with just hose before with no problems. It is always better looking to run metal lines along the frame so that is the way I do pretty much all of mine these days. Just don't get the fuel line too close to the headers. I've know a couple people that had vapor lock issues caused by that.

 

mine runs like that on my 69 and have had no issues, no heat shield or anything on mine.

 

Mine has just about the same set up. The fuel lines are the orig plastic with rubber sections. Here in Havasu I drive in 120* heat all the time in the summer and no problems at all.

Just ask Hippo! R)

 

Hi. I have a 225/231 in a 72 CJ5. I need to put headers in because the manifold is hitting the steering shaft. I was wondering if anyone could post/email pics of this area so I could see how much clearance there is for the shaft, clutch linkage, and frame, etc. I would appreciate it. Thanks!