plastic vs. steel gas tank any opinions?

Looking to get my underseat tank for my Cj6 and I'm wondering which would be better? The only drawback to the plastic tank that I can see is the filler neck and cap area. Is the cap mating surface plastic too, or is it molded in steel? I'd worry that with the cap off and on a bunch it would wear out the plastic. Also, what is the difference between the 4 and v6 tank? Is it just the return line?

 

I second Glenn. My under-seat plastic tank is really tough plastic, it would take some serious abuse to harm the threads for the gas cap. The only thing I would be careful with is when you're mounting the tank, make sure your retention strap is long enough. I tried to squeeze one on that was about an inch too short and it buckled the tank but went back to normal shape after I released it.

 

Replaced my rusted steel tank with plastic. It is a little taller. The tank hold down strap is about 1/2" off the floor but no problem. The filler neck actually seals better than the steel tank did. The steel tank had a bottom line and the plastic top. Neither one have a return line.

 

The only gas tank that can take the abuse of Ethanol in today's gas is Plastic! Steel will rust from water collected in the tank by the Ethanol. Also take the time to replace fuel lines with newer Ethanol resistant fuel lines.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

 

Thanks for all the input guys. Looks like it's plastic fantastic!

 

If you buy the high octane gas it does not contain ethanol. Either way good tip, was not aware there was ethanol resistant lines - I will think I will get some when I replace mine

 

You must be talking about racing fuel or aviation fuel of which neither are cheap. In a short time you could pay for the difference between a steel tank and a plastic tank. AND what do you do if you run out of fuel and are not near a speed shop, race track or airport, no choice but to use Ethanol fuel. With a little luck and the lobbies stay out of Congress's face the legislation requiring Ethanol will be reversed! No saving for the public or environment.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

 

some states have ethanol free 91 and 93 octane.

 

Depends on your location. In many areas all standard pump gas has alcohol in in it. In some areas not. Can't depend on how long that will last though.
Blanket statements are dangerous.


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In Low Desert Arizona cities and towns you get non-alcoholic unleaded gas in all flavors from the 1st of April until the 1st of October or there abouts. Can't run it in high ambient temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Your vehicle won't start again if it is hot (like running in to pay for the tankful of gas you just put in!)

 

here in Arkansas, about 1/2 the stations have ethanol free regular gas.

 

definatly go with the plastic. I bougt a new steel one and it only lasted like 3 years. rusted out from the inside. the plastic ones are a bit harder to install since they suck from the top. and the ones i got I had to make better clips to clamp down the sending unit. the necks really arnt a problem the factory caps fit better than aftermarket .

 

No I am talking about the normal pump gas, but the most expensive type. That might just be a Texas thing but every major news source has tested it here and everyone has concurred. No ethanol in the top price stuff - that and it says it contains no enthanol right on the pump in most places (again in Texas). Nick blanket statements can indeed be a problem, even with something like gasoline it seems.

As to the material of the tank - the plastic tanks break incredibly easy, my suggestion would be metal. Even more so if you are going to need to add a return line or increase the line size for any reason. Those things can be done on a plastic tank also but I think it is easier on the metal ones.

 

Interesting. I Have two MTS tanks here and they are very thick and very pliable. As an experiment I beat them with a rubber mallet and no issue. Even in sub 40* weather.
Been dealing with plastic tanks since the late 80's when I worked for Ford and never had an issue.

What tanks have you found to break easily? The '80's-'90's Ford plastic fuel lines kinked easily and could break if mis-handled but haven't seen an issue with the tanks.

I'm seriously interested as to which ones break so easily.


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I don't think I could break my plastic tank if I wanted to.

 

My uncle ordered one for his CJ3 and it broke just from the back of his boot hitting it getting in. The plastic tanks you normally see in drag cars ect are very strong - I fully back them but that is not the kind we were talking about with these replacements.

The ones that are being sold as CJ replacement tanks are not strong at all. At least not the brand he got - I will try to find out where he ordered it from but I believe it was 4Wheel Parts.

 

I once owned a 1974 Ford Bronco. It had a plastic tank (front tank) that cracked. It was old and brittle. Not any sun exposure to it either.

 

Was this an aftermarket tank? I'm guessing it was. "Plastic" technology has come a long, long way since then. Not saying it can't or won't happen, but when weighed against corrosion issues that will happen with a steel tank then it is a viable alternative.


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